African Forest Conservation

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Central African forests are rich in wildlife and a site of critical importance to the health of our planet. Containing the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, an abundance of rare plants, and home to some of the most endangered primates on Earth, this region is a globally significant carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change.

In Cameroon’s Ebo forest, we work hand in hand with local communities to save and protect unique African biodiversity. Together, our teams and partners protect vulnerable species and habitat, documenting animals and plants previously unknown to science, and celebrating the cultural and ecological heritage of one of Africa’s most intact and important rainforests. Local communities are at the center of conservation in the Ebo forest. Acting as stewards of their shared ecosystem, they work closely with our teams to make inclusive decisions about future land management, ensuring that their needs are met, their heritage is respected, and wildlife is protected in the process.

Conservation Begins With People

Conservation starts locally, and communities are at the center of conversation in the Ebo forest. Nearly 200 people from government agencies, local authorities, nonprofits, and 40 regional villages demonstrated how collaboration can lead to significant, meaningful change during a gathering to shape plans for the future of the forest. This inclusive event, hosted by the Ebo Traditional Chiefs’ Association and our African Forest team, resulted in a sustainable community-led conservation action plan to protect the forest for generations to come.

Celebrating Local Guardians

Community-led guardian clubs are critical for primate conservation in the region. The newly formed Clubs des Amis des Chimpanzés focuses on chimpanzees while the long-established Clubs des Amis des Gorilles protects gorillas of the area. Both species are unique to the area and face significant threats from poachers and habitat loss. Club members watch over these primates, fueling conservation efforts, promoting local and sustainable livelihood activities, and fostering community well-being.

The Future Of Conservation

The enthusiasm of the 60 primary students who attend conservation activities every other month at the Mbakaou Wildlife Education Center in Cameroon is spreading to high schoolers, who recently began engaging in activities as well. Youths join to pick up litter in their communities and organize conservation marches, all of which expand awareness and build support for the Center’s work .

Women are crucial to the success of these conservation efforts, and we’re committed to increasing their local participation and engagement. Our African Forest team joined these clubs for conservation-focused International Women’s Day celebrations, and more than 110 women were involved.