The Role of Women in Environmental Conservation
Around the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Nigeria, women's collectives are transforming the protection of a biodiversity hotspot that is home to the critically endangered Cross River gorilla and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. These collectives, operating in villages like Ulom, Katabang, and Buanchor, in southeastern Nigeria, were born out of the realization that traditional governance, led by men, often struggled to contain illegal activities within and around the 100-square-kilometer sanctuary.
Village residents told Mongabay that, as men were often the primary participants in hunting, logging, and river pollution, they frequently lacked the moral authority to enforce community laws that punished these activities. "Our men failed to stop the threats," said Ofre Mary, founder of the Ulom Women's Conservation Collective. "That's why the women decided to take a stand. That's why we decided to take the risk".
The Importance of Women's Action
The collectives conduct regular and spontaneous patrols, sometimes late at night or at dawn, to track signs of hunting, forest fires, or illegal logging. The groups also investigate wildlife crime reports, either alone or together with other community leaders, state forestry officials, and non-governmental organizations in the region.
In 2024, women in Ulom and Buanchor managed to disrupt illegal timber deals made by men, according to Francis Akie, who heads the Ulom Traditional Leaders Council. The women threatened naked protests, a form of resistance that forced local leaders to reimburse the timber traders and cancel contracts.
The Science Behind Conservation
Biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. Habitat loss and illegal hunting are some of the main threats to the survival of species like the Cross River gorilla and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. The action of women in conservation collectives is an example of how the community can mobilize to protect the environment and wildlife.
Broader Context
Biodiversity conservation is a global challenge. Habitat loss, illegal hunting, and global warming are just a few of the factors that threaten the survival of many species. The action of women in conservation collectives in Nigeria is an example of how local communities can mobilize to protect the environment and wildlife.
What Happens Next
Biodiversity conservation is an ongoing process. It is essential that local communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations continue to work together to protect the environment and wildlife. The action of women in conservation collectives in Nigeria is an example of how the community can mobilize to protect the environment and wildlife.
Conclusion
Biodiversity conservation is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. The action of women in conservation collectives in Nigeria is an example of how the community can mobilize to protect the environment and wildlife. It is essential that local communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations continue to work together to protect the environment and wildlife.
Source / Reference
Original article published on Mongabay