Forest restoration.
Partnering with local women-led community groups to restore fire-scarred forests
THE CHALLENGE
One of West Africa's last critical habitats is at risk of disappearing
The forest of At Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is among the last remaining critical habitats for the Short-tailed Roundleaf bat, pangolins, drill monkeys, gorillas, and several parrot species in West Africa. Recurring wildfires and encroachment for farming have destroyed vegetation, disrupted ecological processes, and displaced wildlife. Without intervention, natural recovery could take decades.
THIS HABITAT IS HOME TO
Rare bats
Pangolins
Drill Monkeys
Gorillas
Parrots
OUR RESPONSE
We are restoring fire-damaged habitat through a science-driven, community-led programme.
Kujo Women transplant seedlings in fire-scarred areas around Afi Mountain (© SMACON)
HOW IT WORKS
Seeds to Seedlings
Indigenous tree seeds are collected by the Kujo Women, a local women's group from communities surrounding Afi Mountain, trained in nursery management and seed collection techniques. Their involvement ensures that restoration knowledge is rooted in the community. 'Kujo' means forest in the Boki language, which is spoken throughout the Local Government Area encompassing the communities that surround Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.
Indigenous seeds are carefully selected to be nurtured in local community nurseries. © SMACON
Native Species Nursery
Our nurseries raise seedlings from species once dominant in these forests, including black afara, iroko, ebony, and achi. Using native species maintains the ecological integrity of the restored habitat.
The nursery in Buanchor is raising Iroko and Ebony seedlings to restore the forest canopy. © SMACON
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Black Afara
(Terminalia ivorensis)
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Iroko
(Milicia excelsa)
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Ebony
(Diospyros spp.)
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Achi
(Brachystegia eurycoma)
Monitoring for Learning
We track germination rates, seedling growth, and survival across nursery sites. This data guides future restoration decisions and builds a knowledge base for similar work across the region.
We aim to put 10,000 trees in the ground by 2030. © SMACON
IMPACT
3,051+
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Native seeds planted
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Collected and planted by Kujo Women (2025)
10,000
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Target seedlings
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Native trees in the ground by 2030, 80% survival target
Farming benefits individuals, but conservation benefits everyone. The rewards may not come immediately, but they will last for generations.
​HRM Otu Fridalin Akando
​Paramount Ruler of Boki LGA, the region encompassing Buanchor (2025)
Help us restore Afi Mountain sanctuary for these species
Plant a seedling!