The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has commenced a campaign to halt oil extractions and ensure conservation and restoration in Ogoni in Nigeria and Yasuni in Ecuador.

HOMEF announced the commencement of the campaign in a statement on Saturday by its Media/Communications Lead Miss Kome Odhomor

The campaign in Nigeria and Ecuador are pioneering tools for Environmental Justice and Resilience

HOMEF, an ecology focused think-tank said it envisions a world where companies are held responsible for environmental damage, and communities thrive by protecting nature.

“That is the vision behind two inspiring movements gaining momentum worldwide: Ogonize and Yasunize.

“This campaign is inspired by the struggles of the Ogoni people in Nigeria, who have faced decades of environmental devastation and halted oil extraction in their territory in 1993, and the struggle of the people of Ecuador to stop oil extraction at Yasuní-ITT, one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.

“The people of Ecuador voted massively against crude oil extraction at Yasuni ITT in a national referendum in August 2023.

“The campaign aims to advance environmental justice, protect biodiversity, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate. It is powered by people on the ground, activists, community groups, and allies around the globe who are demanding that corporations and governments clean up their mess and help communities heal.

The statement quoted Dr Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF Executive Director and a passionate environmental activist, as saying: "Ogonize is more than a campaign; it is a fight for what is right. We want to ensure that communities impacted by environmental disasters are heard, that their land is restored, and that future generations inherit a healthy planet.

“Yasunize is about rethinking our relationship with nature. It is recognising that some places are too valuable to exploit and that we need to prioritise the health of our planet over short-term profits."

Bassey further stated that, “Together, Ogonize and Yasunize paint a picture of a world where environmental justice and sustainability are not just ideals, but realities. They challenge the status quo and insist that protecting the environment and ensuring social fairness go hand-in-hand.

“These campaigns remind us that real change comes from community-led solutions and global cooperation."

He maintained that “the advocacy focuses on making sure those responsible for environmental damage pay reparations and face legal consequences, while shielding biodiversity hotspots and indigenous territories from harmful activities,”.

Bassey explained that the campaign is investing in the restoration of ecosystems and creating sustainable ways for affected communities to make a living, as well as encouraging the use of renewable energy.

The efforts also aim at making sure the voices of marginalised communities are heard in global environmental discussions, while creating international solidarity for countries and communities committed to protecting their natural resources.

“As the world grapples with an increasingly urgent climate crisis, the Ogonize and Yasunize campaigns offer a pathway forward.

“Governments, organisations, and individuals are invited to join the movement, stand with affected communities, and advocate for policies that prioritise justice and halt ecocide. We call on you to join this campaign for the protection of vital ecosystems and the rights of indigenous peoples,” Bassey stated.