Save Africa's most endangered gorillas

In the Lebialem Highlands of Cameroon, the protection of Cross River gorillas by community rangers stands as a crucial conservation effort in the face of mounting challenges. Illegal poaching, habitat loss, and disease threaten the survival of these great apes, exacerbated by the encroachment of logging and road construction. The fragile ecosystem faces fragmentation and declines in genetic diversity, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Over the past months our project has focused on capacity building and training within local communities to empower them as stewards of their own land. Through the piloting of Community Forests programs in 11 villages within the Tofala-Mone Rainforest Corridor, we have witnessed an enormous interest and commitment to conservation efforts. By developing local capacities for community-level participation in management and monitoring, we aim to foster culturally appropriate solutions for long-term species and landscape conservation.

Central to our project are initiatives aimed at training and equipping community rangers for effective monitoring and patrol activities. Twenty-four community rangers, including ten with existing experience, alongside six Ecoguards, will undergo training in advanced monitoring techniques. This training will enable them to track the abundance, health, and movements of Cross River gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and other species, while also monitoring illegal activities such as logging and poaching.

Our project also entails the development of Forest Management Plans in collaboration with local communities. Four Tofala-Mone Rainforest Corridor Management Committees will receive training in forest management and monitoring data interpretation. Through participatory processes, we will prepare and implement Forest Management Plans for a duration of 25 years. These plans will outline annual operations, forest zoning, and low-impact forest resources management, ensuring sustainable land use practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities.

As we embark on this vital conservation journey, we invite individuals and organizations to join us in supporting our community rangers financially and morally. Together, we can make a tangible difference in safeguarding the future of Cross River gorillas and their fragile habitat. Your contribution will not only protect endangered species but also empower local communities to become active participants in conservation efforts, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.