AFIDFF Concludes Successful UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Initiative at Gashaka Gumti National Park and Mambila Plateau Nigeria

The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) together with its partner organizations, the Taraba State Government through the ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism, National Park Service (NPS), National Commission for museums and monuments (NCMM), the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM), the Federal Ministry of  Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, American University of Nigeria (AUN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC), NOMAD Africa, Ani Foundation, Triumph Consultancy Services, and Taraba State University has successfully concluded its 2024 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) program. Held from 19th to 27th September 2024 at Gashaka Gumti National Park and the Mambilla Plateau with the theme: Preserving Nature, Empowering Communities: on the Path to World Heritage.

The 2024 WHV program at Gashaka Gumti National Park and Mambila Plateau mobilized volunteers in a global campaign to preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage, with a particular focus on elevating Gashaka Gumti National Park to UNESCO World Heritage status. This program aligns with the objectives of the 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This impactful event brought together over 50 dedicated volunteers and 17 partner organizations who collaborated tirelessly to achieve remarkable outcomes.

Gashaka Gumti National Park was selected by UNESCO among other 90 action camp projects across the globe to be implemented from April to December 2024. These projects took place at 85 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, managed by 69 organizations across 41 countries globally

Gashaka Gumti National Park, is Nigeria’s largest park with its highest peak, Chappal Wadi (the "Mountain of Death") at 2,400 meters, is an untouched wilderness that has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. The park spans the eastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa states, boasting a diverse ecosystem that includes riverine and swamp areas, lush rainforests, savannahs, and mountainous terrains. Covering about 6,402 square kilometers (2,427 square miles), it harbors a variety of wildlife species, such as elephants, forest hog, leopard, hippopotamus, buffalo, hartebeest, yellow-backed duiker, chimpanzees, gorillas, antelopes, monkeys, rare freshwater fish and an abundance of bird life. It also has cultural and historical significance, containing ancient iron smelting sites, burial grounds, shrines, and rock paintings. The park is home to various endangered species, making it a critical area for conservation efforts.

AFIDFF extends its profound gratitude to the Taraba State Government, our host, for their support and commitment to the success of this initiative. Your hospitality and engagement have been instrumental in creating a memorable and transformative experience for all participants.

Outcomes of the Initiative

Capacity Building and Awareness: Volunteers and local community members participated in extensive training and hands-on activities focused on environmental conservation, heritage preservation, and sustainable practices.

Community Engagement: Interactive sessions with the local communities emphasized the critical need to protect Gashaka Gumti National Park and its rich biodiversity. The local community’s enthusiastic participation showcased their readiness to support conservation efforts.

Advancing Gashaka Gumti’s World Heritage Status: Discussions and activities during the program underscored the potential of Gashaka Gumti National Park as a world heritage site, generating actionable strategies for its elevation to UNESCO World Heritage status.

Strengthened Partnerships: The initiative fostered stronger collaborations between AFIDFF, local stakeholders, and international partners, laying the groundwork for future conservation and sustainable development projects in the region.

AFIDFF is particularly grateful to the traditional councils and community leaders whose active participation and guidance were invaluable. Their endorsement of the initiative and advocacy for environmental stewardship have significantly reinforced the shared vision of preserving Gashaka Gumti National Park for future generations. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the 17 partner organizations for their collaboration and support, Their expertise and resources were instrumental in the success of this project. To our over 50 volunteers, your passion, hard work, and dedication are a testament to the power of collective action.

Overall, the WHV initiative at Gashaka Gumti National Park successfully advanced conservation objectives, empowered local communities, and bolstered the park's profile on the path to achieving World Heritage designation.

AFIDFF expresses its gratitude to all volunteers, partners, and supporters whose commitment made this initiative possible. Through collective action, the WHV program not only strengthened conservation efforts but also deepened engagement with local communities, empowering them to become active guardians of their cultural and natural heritage.

To the people of the local communities, we deeply appreciate your warm welcome, cooperation, and shared commitment to the conservation of your natural heritage. Your support during the community engagement sessions and practical activities has been inspiring and pivotal to achieving the initiative’s objectives.

The success of the 2024 WHV program reflects AFIDFF's mission to inspire global collaboration for Africa’s rich heritage. As we continue to strive for Gashaka Gumti National Park’s recognition as a World Heritage site, we invite more partners and supporters to join us on this journey toward sustainable heritage conservation.

AFIDFF remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Gashaka Gumti National Park attains the global recognition it deserves as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Together, we are shaping a sustainable future that honors and protects Africa’s extraordinary heritage.

Malame N Mangzha

Program Coordinator,

WHV Gashaka Gumti National Park