Rolling green spans as far as the eye can see, a dense expanse of trees veiling the dynamic wildlife and communities that live deep within. Here, Cameroon’s Ebo forest is a critical ecosystem for the array of wildlife that depend on it, as well as a significant component of the country’s rich natural heritage. Unfortunately, this biodiversity hotspot—and the species that call it home—are facing serious threats.
Next year, we’re celebrating 25 years of improving conservation outcomes in the Ebo forest, where much of what we implement through our African Forest Conservation Hub is centered. Led by our experts alongside resident specialists, we work directly with local officials, organizations, and communities to address the ecosystem’s future. Together we’re safeguarding one of the last remaining intact forests in Central Africa—a responsibility we hold earnestly.
Bethan Morgan, Ph.D. (left) and Ekwoge Abwe, Ph.D. (right) lead our work in the Ebo forest.
Follow the Leaders
At the heart of our work in the Ebo forest are accomplished team members who ensure our progress beats on. Together, Ekwoge Abwe, Ph.D., and Bethan Morgan, Ph.D., use their expertise and passion to guide plans with tact, informed strategy, and a deep understanding of the region.
Ekwoge and Bethan began steering our organization’s Ebo forest project in 2003. Today, Ekwoge serves as co-leader of our African Forest Conservation Hub. His palpable influence has helped develop effective conservation strategies as well as steward meaningful relationships with affected communities.
As the co-leader of the African Forest program, Bethan oversees all our essential efforts happening in this area. She utilizes her decades of experience by focusing on this region with a wealth of under-studied species and by enriching capacity building initiatives—successfully positioning our goals for the future.
Ekwoge and Bethan are responsible for managing the inspiring projects and partnerships that help our work grow in the Ebo forest and beyond. Here are a few of the ways they do just that.
We collaborate with local officials to promote sustainable logging, protecting the wildlife that depend on their forest homes.
Influential Input
The detrimental effects of unsustainable logging—the process of cutting down trees to be sold—pose a significant threat to the Ebo forest’s rich landscapes. To help mitigate the industry’s impact, our teams collaborated with local leaders to propose a new set of recommendations based on past policies the country previously endorsed. Through this approach, we suggested ways to protect wildlife living in the forest while promoting sustainable resource use too.
Our work doesn’t stop there. Teams will continue collaborating with key stakeholders to highlight how ongoing logging impacts the land and its wildlife.
One of our partners, Limbe Wildlife Centre, works to protect animals that have been affected by illegal bushmeat and pet trades, such as dwarf crocodiles.
Bolstering Expertise
We’re proud to support the experts and organizations working with the wildlife and areas they know best. One of these institutions is Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC), which rescues and rehabilitates wildlife affected by illegal bushmeat and pet trades. For nearly 20 years, we’ve partnered with LWC by assisting them with in-kind donations including vehicles and building materials.
We further strengthened our relationship by recently providing direct funding. These dollars will bolster staffing and advance their latest initiatives, such as reintroducing several African grey parrot flocks and expanding habitats for the dwarf crocodiles, tortoises, and guenons in LWC’s care.
Trail cameras help our experts foster peaceful human-wildlife coexistence. | Photo Credit: Tusk
Eyes Open
To the east of Ebo forest, we’re addressing conflict occurring between communities and chimpanzees. Habitat destruction is pushing chimpanzees closer and closer to human spaces, resulting in more physical interactions.
In response, we’ve set 10 trail cameras in the area in collaboration with local wildlife sanctuaries and the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. These cameras will collect visual data so we can better understand chimpanzee population range, size, and composition. Additionally, we’ve met with communities to raise awareness about the species’ behavior and how to decrease encounters. We’re even discussing ways to foster alternative livelihood projects that will minimize encroachment into the remaining forest.
Community-led initiatives power our collective conservation efforts in the region.
All Hands In
These are only a few examples of how Ekwoge and Bethan are leading the vital work of our conservation teams and partners. It matters deeply, and what they do is only amplified by the communities that surround them—those that call these places home. Thanks to the dedication of each person committed to safeguarding the Ebo forest, we can ensure our progress expands and deepens every day.
Conservation takes all of us, including allies like you. With each visit, you're helping support our vision of a world where all life thrives. Be sure to connect with the African forest wildlife we have the honor of caring for on your next trip to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
