DeBebs Advocates Mangrove Tourism in Niger Delta

A visual artist and minister, Dr. John DeBebs, has advocated for the promotion of mangrove tourism in the Niger Delta to enhance tourism and reshape negative perceptions of the region.

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On Friday at an ongoing art exhibition in Lagos, he emphasized the need to highlight the area’s natural beauty.

DeBebs explained that his paintings not only capture the essence of the mangroves but also challenge the prevailing narrative of crisis, showcasing the Niger Delta as a place of rich natural splendor.

“Looking at some of the paintings, you wonder, is this Nigeria? Yes, and again, in the Niger Delta.

“Africa, particularly Nigeria, has the largest concentration of mangroves.

“The landscape where these trees thrive is breathtaking, as seen in the paintings,” he said.

He noted that preserving and showcasing these landscapes could boost tourism by attracting visitors unaware of such hidden gems in Nigeria.

Beyond tourism, DeBebs highlighted the ecological significance of mangroves, emphasizing their role in creating a cleaner environment by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

“This process helps maintain a cleaner atmosphere for humanity to exist,” he said.

He expressed hope that greater awareness would inspire conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.

“The goal is to draw attention to these natural wonders we often take for granted,” he said.

He called for greater awareness and action to protect mangroves, which are increasingly at risk due to climate change and human activities.

The exhibition, organized by Crimson Fusion Curators in collaboration with Oriiz Onuwaje, runs from March 5 to 13.

Themed “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, the Mangrove, and Art,” the exhibition explores the connection between environmental conservation and artistic expression.

NAN/Oluchi