After 16 years of lobbying by conservationists, in April 2024 Nigeria and Cameroon signed a historic Transboundary Agreement to collaborate for conservation across 11 protected areas in both countries including Gashaka Gumti (GGNP) and Tchabal Mbabo National Parks (TCNP).   This has opened up exciting opportunities for collaborative biodiversity research spanning the forests shared by the borders of both countries.

To advance research, ANI and the Catholic University of Cameroon plan to establish a biodiversity baseline data collection program through field surveys over the next two years in GGNP and TCNP to better document key taxa, focusing initially on mammals, birds and insects.  This transboundary research project will establish a species data records for GGNP to guide management decisions and will also be used to advocate for the gazetting of fixed boundaries in Tchabal Mbabo National Park and will also inform drafting of UNESCO World Heritage Site applications for both protected areas. Most significantly, this project will build cross border relationships to operationalize research collaboration within the framework of the new Nigeria-Cameroon transboundary agreement.

The immediate objectives of the Establishing Research and Cross Boundary Partnerships in the Gashaka Gumti/Tchabal Mbabo Transboundary Protected Area Complex project are:

1. Establishment of Nigeria and Cameroon transboundary partnerships and biodiversity research capacity development through construction of a highland research station, and recruitment of research staff in Nigeria/Cameroon.
2. Collection of key baseline data for GGNP and TMNP on large mammals, birds and insects
3. Development of a roadmap for formally gazetting Tchabal Mbabo National Park and nomination of GGNP as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The project will develop transboundary research team capacity in Gashaka Gumti and Tchabal Mbabo. The project will also develop institutional transboundary partnerships between NGOs and government (MINFOF-NPS). Other partners in Nigeria will include University of Ibadan, Nigeria Montane Forest Project and the AP Leventis Ornithological Institute. Research partners in Cameroon will include Catholic University Cameroon and University of Bamenda which runs a Conservation Science course for graduates and undergraduates.

Tunde Morakinyo is the Executive Director for ANI Foundation which is focussed on the protection and development of Gashaka Gumti and Okomu National Parks in Nigeria. He is a Community Forestry Specialist with thirty years’ experience in implementing natural resource management projects for NGOs, private and public sector.  He has spent many years particularly in West/Central Africa working on community forestry and conservation projects around protected areas building partnerships between communities, government, NGOs, and the private sector. He was also a partner at a consultancy company, ERM for over 16 years supporting private sector clients on Environmental, Social and Governance.

Dr. Ethelyn Echep Forchibe is a skilled and passionate entomologist from Cameroon, currently serving as a lecturer and researcher at the Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC), Bamenda. Her expertise centers on insect diversity and sustainable agriculture, with a focus on identifying and understanding the bioecology of insects, their natural enemies, and their interactions with the environment. Her extensive research and teaching experience are dedicated to developing sustainable, environmentally friendly strategies to enhance food security. Additionally, her work involves identifying and mapping the biodiversity of key insect species to directly inform and contribute to broader conservation efforts.