• CONSERVATION NOW OR N-EVER
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WE ARE COMMITTED TO PROTECTING & RESTORING SPECIES' POPULATIONS AND HABITATS IN AFRICA'S MOST POPULOUS NATION

In the words of Hansjorg Wyss “For the sake of all living things, let’s see to it that far more of our planet is protected by people, for people and for all time”

A PEOPLE ON A MISSION

"Our vision is to stop species extinction and protect more places in Nigeria"

"Our mission is to provide the conservation solutions that will ensure the survival of threatened species and forest habitat in Nigeria"

WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO BETTER
TIME THAN NOW TO SAVE OUR SPECIES

Wildlife and their habitats are struggling to survive all over the world most especially in landscapes with high human population density. In Nigeria, we work in areas that should be declared as a “state of conservation emergency” where local widespread extinction is taking place in real-time, requiring critical urgent actions to save the day! The challenges in the landscapes where we work are overwhelming and complicated, but we are confronting them head on. Stepping into conflicts and knotty situations to bring back species from the brink of extinction and restore forests. As conservationists, we believe that by conserving one acre at a time and one species after the other, we are transforming whole landscapes into a safe haven for biodiversity. So that theres a generation that can step into a sustainable future without fear of natural disasters, pandemics and climate crisis – an enriching life full of possibilities.

That's why we work to:

  • Reduce Threats To Species
  • Restore Wildlife Populations
  • Protect Wild Places
  • Build a Professional Team
  • Advocate & Advance Solutions
  • Engage & Educate Stakeholders
  • Support Policy Development
  • Campaign & Increase Awareness

OUR IMPACT

Acres of Forest Protected
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Engaged in Conservation Education
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Threatened Species Protected
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Livelihood Beneficiaries
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OUR APPROACH

Conservation
Intervention

Establishing protected areas & protected area management; habitat management & species-focused conservation efforts

Research &
Monitoring

Population Studies; Distributional surveys for georeferenced data; Evolutionary relationship studies using molecular genetics.

Policy
Advocacy

Consultations with government authorities; local communities; Negotiating alternatives and solutions.

COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT &
EMPOWERMENT

Alternative livelihood programmes; Linking social benefits to conservation actions; enhancing socio-economic benefits for local communities close to forest area.

EDUCATION &
OUTREACH

Community Outreach; Education programmes; Media and Public Awareness; Sensitization workshops for decision makers and decision takers; Networking events and Campaigns.

BUILDING LOCAL CAPACITY IN CONSERVATION

Training local communities and government institutions in conservation is vital for sustainable efforts. We focus on skill transfer through community-led initiatives and institutional support etc.

OUR PROGRAMMES

SPECIES-FOCUSED CONSERVATION

Our conservation efforts are centered on two important and vulnerable populations of endemic and near-endemic species. 1) The Niger Delta red colobus, which is found exclusively in Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta. 2) The chimpanzee populations in southwestern Nigeria, which are biologically unique and closely related to the Nigerian-Cameroon subspecies.

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LANDSCAPE -LEVEL CONSERVATION INTERVENTION

Our ultimate aim is to rehabilitate and conserve key portions of the Niger River Delta ecosystem, covering its swamp forests, mangroves, coral reefs, and ocean, by bringing 500,000 hectares under active conservation management. The conservation of the Niger River Delta landscape is an immense undertaking, necessitating a comprehensive strategy that encompasses scientific research, community involvement, and government support. 

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HABITAT RESTORATION

Our reforestation efforts focus on planting trees in deforested areas to restore ecosystems. We use Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) to support natural forest growth by managing existing vegetation. Trained community rangers and Protected Area (PA) managers handle protection tasks across our sites. Additionally, through our Farmers Field School program, we train farmers in agroforestry and distribute tree seedlings in partnership with local organizations.

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MEET THE TEAM

Here are some of the team members
behind our outstanding results -

Teamwork and a strong team spirit are key attributes that drive our conservation efforts. Our project team consists of over 60 members, all of whom come from local institutions and communities. This is why we are recognized as the leading grassroots-focused conservation organization in Nigeria.

MEET THE TEAM
I am a Conservation Biologist with 15 years of work experience who holds a degree in Forestry and wildlife management from University of Uyo, MSc in wildlife management from University of Ibadan and MSc in Conservation Biology from A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute of University of Jos Conservatory. My area of specialization includes, species and habitat management and restoration, ornithology, primatology, conservation education, citizen science and field biologist. I am committed to impacting and transferring scientific knowledge to our team members.
Aniekan-Abasi Uwatt
Landscape Programme Manager
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from University of Ilorin. I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at National Teachers' Institute, Kaduna in affiliation with University of Ibadan and Masters of Science Degree (M.sc) in Cell Biology and Genetics from University of florin. I chose to join SW/Niger Delta Forest Project team in order to build a career in Conservation Education and to broaden my knowledge in Conservation Genetics.
Seun Adejuwon
IFCA Programme Manager

WOULD YOU CONSIDER SAVING SPECIES WITH US?

We are a grassroots-focused organization and we need all the help we can get.

5 REASONS WHY YOU MAY LIKE TO SUPPORT US :
1. Our work is prioritizing conservation of species populations on the brink of extinction.
2.   We are preserving highly threatened and fragile forest habitat overlapping areas with one of the highest human population densities in the world.
3.   Our project is a multi-stakeholder collaboration effort involving local communities and governments at all levels. We are applying public-private conservation model and a community-based conservation approach to promote local stewardship.
4.   We are helping local people and the Nigerian public to appreciate native species and their immediate natural environment.
5. We are promoting local initiatives and grassroots-tailored solutions while contributing to global conservation objectives.

SUPPORT US

TESTIMONIALS

HON. OLUROPO AJAYI
HON. OLUROPO AJAYICHAIRMAN, TIMBER TRADERS ASSOCIATION
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As a Timber Traders Association, we are passionate about the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project since it has given some of our young people in Ise jobs, and the Rangers' protective efforts have helped push out Indian hemp planters and encroachers.
MRS FLORENCE FATOBA
MRS FLORENCE FATOBATHE IYALAJE OF ISE EKITI (HEAD OF MARKET WOMEN)
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The SW/Niger Delta Forest Project is appreciated for empowering community women especially past leaf fetchers in the forest with a grinding machine that can provide daily income for them to make ends meet for their family. Provision of educational packages and giving of scholarship to school children especially the less privileged in Ise community is a laudable program SW/Niger Delta Forest Project will always be remembered for.
HON. KEHINDE ODUNO
HON. KEHINDE ODUNOCHAIRMAN, HAMMER HOLDERS ASSOCIATION
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The empowerment programmes of SW/Niger Delta Forest Project in Ise-Ekiti has alleviated poverty from many homes in the community. The protection activities of the Rangers have really improved the security of lives and property in Ise community and environs.
ELDER AWE MATTHEW SUNDAY
ELDER AWE MATTHEW SUNDAYOOLEMETA, ORAYE QUARTERS HEAD, ISE-EKITI
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The SW/Niger Delta Forest Project is providing employment for Ise youths and this has reduced the rate of unemployment among Ise indigene.
ALAHJI ADEYANJU JIMOH
ALAHJI ADEYANJU JIMOHOOLEMETA, ODOSE QUARTRES HEAD
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The SW/Niger Delta Forest Project has been a wonderful project in the Ise community in employing and empowering indigenes.
Natalya Yakusheva Jarlebring
Natalya Yakusheva Jarlebring MILKYWIRE FUND MANAGER
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Engaging with SW Niger Delta Forest Project and Rachel personally as a donor has been an enriching experience, underscored by the organization's focused commitment to species conservation and community well-being. Their approach not only targets biodiversity preservation but also aims at improving livelihoods of local communities, making a tangible difference. It is gratifying to contribute to such meaningful work that clearly aligns with our shared objectives of sustainability and social improvement.
Mr. Adekunle
Mr. Adekunle EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, EKITI STATE FORESTRY COMMISSION (2023 - DATE)
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Ekiti State Forestry Commission appreciate the SW/Niger Delta Forest Project for the conservation of our forest resources in Ise Forest where their activities have wiped off all encroachers from the forest. The organization involvement in terms of social responsibility, employment, empowerment and contribution to the green environment cannot be quantified. The commission appreciate the organization contribution to global warming reduction. The Commission would appreciate if the organization can extend their tenure beyond the five years signed with the state government.
Mr. Afolabi
Mr. Afolabi DIRECTOR OF WILDLIFE, EKITI STATE
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The SW/Niger Delta Forest Project is a laudable project without mincing word. The project has really impacted Ekiti State Forestry in terms of biodiversity conservation and forest protection. The organization is acknowledged for the livelihood and scholarship programmes among other programs organized for Ise community. Despite the limitation of five years MOU signed with Ekiti state government, we would encourage the organization to extend their activities in Ise Forest for another five years, by then the government would have been stabilized and have the capacity to manage the forest.
Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha
Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha TECHNICAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE ON ECOLOGICAL MATTERS AND GREEN ECONOMY
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SW/Niger Delta Forest Project are a team of dedicated conservationists, with palpable passion for restoring landscapes, protecting forests, and encouraging wildlife conservation. Ekiti State Government has formed a strong partnership with their team in protecting the almost extinct Chimpanzee population at the Ise Forest Conservation Area. This initiative is yielding strong economic, social and environmental benefits for the host community and the state.
Joshua Aribasoye
Joshua Aribasoye INTERN, YEAR 2020
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My year-long internship with the Southwest Niger Delta Forest Project was an unparalleled journey of growth and impact. Working alongside dedicated professionals, I immersed myself in a holistic approach to conservation, witnessing firsthand the project's commitment to preserving biodiversity. Through this experience, I not only honed valuable skills but also developed a profound appreciation for the transformative power of grassroots efforts in shaping a sustainable future. My time with the Southwest Niger Delta Forest Project has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional trajectory, inspiring me to continue advocating for the protection of our planet's precious ecosystems.
Paul Okerinu
Paul OkerinuINTERN, YEAR 2020
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One thing that makes me happy working with SW/Niger Delta forest Project is its desire to keep the wild of Nigeria flourishing again, bringing the endangered species to a point they will be least concerned.
Chief Godspower Kamela
Chief Godspower Kamela MEMBER OF THE CHIEFS COUNCIL IN APOI, BAYELSA STATE
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Since the genesis of Conservation of the Niger Delta Red Colobus Monkey (a.k.a Epieni) in Apoi by SW/Niger Delta Forest Project, we have got some advantages and achievements in the community in the following area., a. Employment opportunities and training of the indigenes of the community as Rangers, Species monitoring Officers and conservation education, community engagement and livelihood programmes b. Workshop experience for community leadership c. Employment of teachers for the Community Primary School d. Office building in the community e. A Radio mast for communication for Community Rangers in the field
RICHMAN ALLISON
RICHMAN ALLISONMEMBER, APOI COMMUNITY COSERVATION ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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We the entire Apoi Community highly appreciate the effort of SW/Niger Delt Forest Project in developing and empowering of our youths. From inception till this very moment, there is no regret having you as our partner. One special thing done by you is the provision of teachers for our primary school for children to go back to school and have quality basic education. Creating jobs for the youths too is worth commendations. I really commend our NGO Director, Rachel Ikemeh for finding us worthy and helping us to conserve area for posterity. Remain richly blessed.
ALFRED TIMEBI
ALFRED TIMEBICHAIRMAN, MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE APOI COMMUNITY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
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We are grateful to our partner, SW/Niger Delta Forest Project for their good services and assistance to Apoi Community. We have seen these good acts mostly in the area of our Primary School education. Recently they provided school uniforms for the pupils after making the learning environment conducive. Employment have come in different forms to the people of the community such as teachers, forest rangers, species monitoring officers and others. We say thank you and let this cordial relationship be ever green in our midst.
Barney Long
Barney LongSENIOR DIRECTOR, CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
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Re:wild has worked with the Foundation for Sustainability of Ecosystem, Wildlife and Climate on multiple projects, some directly funded by Re:wild, some as US fiscal sponsors for the foundation, and others as partners. In all projects we have found the foundation to be highly responsive and responsible in the way they manage their grants. The foundation is fiscally sound and they reliably deliver projects on time with the promised outputs and outcomes. I would have no hesitation in recommending the foundation for funding and would be confident of their delivery of any project as designed.
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SW/Niger Delta Forest Project is formally registered in Nigeria as Foundation for Sustainability of Ecosystem, Wildlife and Climate, Charity No. 60837. We are a team of passionate people who want to see Species – Biodiversity – Nature thrive against all odds. We consider that we have become a FORCE OF CHANGE for biodiversity conservation in Nigeria. Send us an email: info@swnigerdeltaforestproject.org.ng or you can also engage with us on social media.

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