This story is related to the landscape initiative “Okomu Forest”, and originally published on SourceUp.
Recent study commissioned by IDH in the Okomu forest landscape have highlighted the need to increase the number of patrol rangers within the Okomu National Park as part of measures to ensure effective protection of the area.
The Okomu National Park, located in Edo State, Nigeria, spans approximately 200 km² and represents one of the last remaining tracts of rich lowland rainforest in the country. The park is home to 33 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds, making it a critical biodiversity hotspot. It is also well‑positioned for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, boat tours, and potentially viable as eco‑tourism site. Under the NISCOPS programme, IDH is actively working in the Okomu Forest Reserve, which encompasses the Okomu National Park.
The National Park Service, Nigeria’s Federal agency mandated to safeguard biodiversity and natural resources within protected areas has long collaborated with Africa Nature Investors (ANI), a conservation-focused non‑governmental organization dedicated to protecting the Okomu landscape. Both institutions, who are active members of the IDH‑supported Okomu PPI Compact, recently trained and recruited 40 new rangers to strengthen security and conservation efforts within the park with support from ongoing FAO-GEF 7 program support.
The 40 successful recruits were selected from over 200 applicants drawn from neighbouring communities. They completed an intensive six‑week Basic Field Ranger Training Course delivered by an internationally recognized ranger‑training organization. The programme strengthened their field readiness, discipline, and inter‑agency coordination—the essential competencies required for effective park protection.
IDH, alongside other state and non‑state actors, academia, traditional leaders, and representatives from surrounding communities, were invited to attend the Passing Out Parade (POP). The ceremony marked the official deployment of the newly trained rangers to operational duties within the Okomu National Park.
Under the Okomu Smallholder Project, IDH is partnering with ANI to co‑design a restoration (enrichment planting) initiative within the park. This project aims to restore degraded forest areas, create employment opportunities for community members, and establish Community‑Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) groups. Collectively, these efforts will contribute to enhanced park protection and strengthen the long‑term ecological resilience of the Okomu National Park landscape.