Rainforests in Cross River
In the Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria lies one of West Africa’s last large tropical rainforests. This region is one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots on Earth. Nowhere else in West Africa can so many endemic plant and animal species be found. The Cross River gorilla, drill, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, forest elephant, and rare bird species such as the grey-headed rockfowl all live here.
But this unique forest landscape is acutely threatened. Illegal logging, uncontrolled agricultural expansion, small-scale mining, and poaching are destroying valuable habitats. At the same time, climate change is altering rainfall patterns, raising temperatures, and intensifying extreme weather. For the local population, this means lower harvests, unstable incomes, and the loss of traditional livelihoods. Many families live right at the forest edge and depend on forest products—yet the forest is rapidly disappearing.
Empowering People – Protecting Nature
To protect the biodiversity of Cross River and strengthen community resilience, we need an approach that places people at the center.
GREEN BOOTS therefore supports the experienced partner organisation PADIC-Africa, which has already established sustainable development initiatives in 20 forest-dependent communities. The project will now be expanded to additional communities and activities. Its aim is to protect forests in the long term, reduce poverty, and strengthen local structures. The project builds on four interconnected pillars that reinforce one another.
Eco-Guards – Guardians of the Forest
PADIC-Africa has already trained Eco-Guards in two communities. They regularly patrol the forests, report illegal activities, and deter poachers. This local monitoring has measurably helped reduce logging and poaching.
With support from GREEN BOOTS, this successful model will be expanded to two more communities. In total, 80 Eco-Guards across four communities will be trained and equipped. Through their daily presence, they not only improve forest security but also build pride and responsibility within the communities. The forests become a shared resource to be protected, not an asset to be exploited.
Creating Sustainable Sources of Income
Long-term conservation only works when people have economic prospects. Many families in the project area rely on subsistence farming or forest products. Often, they feel they have no choice but to clear new land. The project therefore promotes ecological alternatives that generate income without harming nature. Over the coming years, 200 households are expected to benefit from pilot projects in beekeeping, shade-tolerant cocoa cultivation, and processing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
PADIC-Africa’s earlier projects show that these initiatives work: families who keep bees or process forest fruits earn stable incomes and rely less on logging or hunting. The project builds on these experiences and expands them with targeted training and improved access to markets.
Women as Drivers of Change
Women play a central role in the use of natural resources and are essential for the success of any sustainable development initiative. In four communities, eight women’s cooperatives, each with 20 members, will be established. These groups receive training in entrepreneurship, savings systems, and sustainable production. The goal is to empower women to generate their own income, participate in decision-making, and act as role models within their communities. PADIC-Africa has already shown that well-organised women’s groups are crucial for community stability and acceptance of conservation measures.
Education and Awareness for Future Generations
Conservation can only succeed if knowledge and values are passed on. That is why the project focuses on environmental education, both in schools and at the community level. Conservation Clubs will be set up in four schools, where children and young people learn about the importance of forests and wildlife.
In parallel, regular village dialogues will take place in all project communities, addressing forest management, sustainable use, and local regulations. These platforms foster dialogue between generations and strengthen the sense of community, which is an essential factor for long-term success.
Sustainable Cocoa Instead of Forest Loss
Cocoa cultivation is one of the region’s most important sources of income and at the same time a major driver of deforestation. The project will therefore train 60 cocoa farmers in each of the four communities in environmentally friendly cultivation methods such as shade-grown cocoa. With improved plant varieties, targeted training, and access to tools, yields can increase without clearing new land.
A Network for Long-Term Protection
PADIC-Africa works closely with government institutions, including the Cross River State Forestry Commission, the National Park Service, and the State Tourism Commission. These partnerships ensure that local initiatives are embedded in existing conservation strategies. Together, they are building a model project that connects local responsibility, state structures, and global goals.
