Conservation ecologist Iroro Tanshi was awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her pioneering work in wildfire prevention and biodiversity protection in Nigeria's rainforests. Her efforts successfully integrated community livelihood support with critical ecological conservation efforts.
Discovery and Initial Challenges
Iroro Tanshi's conservation journey began in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Cross River State, Nigeria. A significant early achievement was the discovery of the short-tailed roundleaf bat, a species previously unconfirmed in Nigeria and rare in its known range.
- Species Status: The bat is classified as endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated global population under 1,500.
- Ecological Role: Bats are vital pollinators and seed spreaders, though they face negative cultural associations, including links to disease.
Despite the scientific importance of the bat, Tanshi noted the complex cultural relationship surrounding the species in Nigeria, where it is sometimes associated with witchcraft.
The Threat of Wildfires
Shortly after documenting the bat roost, Tanshi’s team faced a devastating wildfire that swept through the area, causing immense loss to the habitat and her conservation efforts. This event underscored the urgent need for proactive measures against forest fires.
The Zero Wildfire Campaign Model
From the ashes of the fire, Tanshi and the Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON) launched the Zero Wildfire Campaign in 2017. This initiative shifted the focus from merely protecting species to building community resilience against fire.
The program involved training five local communities to manage wildfire risks using modern and traditional knowledge:
- Risk Assessment: Installing weather stations to monitor temperature, humidity, and wind data.
- Communication: Utilizing colored-coded signposts to communicate daily fire risk levels, with 'town criers' announcing no-burning notices on high-risk days.
- Action: Deploying trained local 'forest guardians,' equipped with water backpacks, to patrol vulnerable areas.
Impact and Success Metrics
By combining scientific monitoring with community participation, the campaign has yielded significant results:
- Prevention: The efforts have prevented an estimated 74 potentially unmanageable blazes between 2022 and 2025.
- Livelihood Security: This protection has secured the crops and livelihoods for approximately 27,000 people across 16 communities surrounding the sanctuary.
Future Outlook
While the Goldman Prize was a personal milestone, Tanshi emphasized that the most rewarding aspect is the tangible impact on local lives. Plans are currently underway to scale the wildfire prevention model across Nigeria and to other regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and Madagascar.
