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Women's Patrol Saves Nigeria's Last Rainforests
10 Aug
Summary
- Women's collective combats illegal logging and poaching.
- Efforts have led to wildlife return and forest regeneration.
- Movement inspires similar conservation groups in region.
Deep within Nigeria's Cross River State, the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital rainforest ecosystem, faced relentless environmental degradation. Despite official protection since 2000, illegal logging, pollution, and poaching intensified due to weak enforcement.
In 2023, a group of women from Ulom village, led by Mary Ofre, established the Ulom Women's Conservation Collective. This self-funded, female-led patrol began actively defending the sanctuary against environmental crimes.
The collective conducts regular patrols and nonviolent enforcement, imposing fines and confiscating equipment. They have successfully curbed river poisoning and disrupted illegal logging operations, leading to visible signs of forest recovery and wildlife return.
Their impactful efforts have inspired over half of the 16 communities surrounding Afi Mountain to form their own women's conservation groups. This movement offers a powerful blueprint for community-led conservation in West Africa.
Despite facing challenges such as lack of funding and domestic opposition, the collective remains committed to protecting the sanctuary. Their success highlights how empowered women can become effective stewards of natural heritage, revitalizing ecosystems and communities.
