UN Wetland Day: Experts Project $2.3bn In Annual Tourism Revenues From Rivers Coastline

Rivers State is projected to generate $2.3 billion in annual tourism revenues with the launch of the BlueRiverian Initiative, a blue economy tourism marketplace designed to transform the state’s coastline into a hub for culture, livelihoods, and environmental stewardship.

The initiative, unveiled on 2026 UN International Wetlands Day, reflects a strategic push to harness the state’s coastal and wetland resources for sustainable economic growth.

According to Victor Wilkinson Agih, Blue Economy and Sustainable Finance expert and Lead Project Advisor, the initiative relies on a deliberate combination of destination branding, infrastructure development, and sustainable finance.

“The BlueRiverian model positions Rivers State as a global blue tourism destination, activating more than 20 coastal economies while leveraging tourism partnerships with 23 Global South countries that share blue economy investment interests,” Agih explained.

Experts projected that the initiative will attract over 230,000 annual visitors through a 23-day BlueRiverian Tourism and Coastal Hospitality Festival, which integrates culture, heritage, and climate-smart coastal infrastructure.

“This model has the potential to create more than 230,000 jobs and transform tourism into a driver of inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and community prosperity,” Agih said.

Yibo Koko, Director-General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, emphasised the broader civic value of the initiative.

“Beaches are more than destinations—they are economic, cultural, and civic systems. Festivals, markets, and stewardship programs sustain both the coastline and the communities that rely on it,” he said.

Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, described BlueRiverian as a framework for reviving coastal economic growth.

“Through sustainable impact finance, the initiative drives socio-economic inclusion via arts, culture, technology, and heritage festivals, while boosting Rivers State’s GDP and delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes,” Peterside noted.

Spanning over 20 coastal and riverine communities, including Oyorokoto, Ikuru, Finima, Borokiri, Bonny, Sandford, and Opobo, BlueRiverian links communities into a coordinated tourism marketplace.

The initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), promoting job creation, gender inclusion, food security, infrastructure development, governance, and climate resilience.

Experts emphasised that through festivals, youth engagement, local vendor ecosystems, and impact-driven financing, BlueRiverian ensures tourism revenues directly support mangrove restoration, sustainable infrastructure, and community-led coastal management, cementing Rivers State as a global blue economy tourism destination.