The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) and its partners invite environmental enthusiasts, cultural ambassadors, young people, and global changemakers to join the 2026 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative at Gashaka-Gumti National Park and the Mambila Plateau in Taraba State, Nigeria.
The 2026 Action Camp will take place from 22nd to 29th September 2026 under the UNESCO WHV theme, “Working on the Future.” This unique opportunity allows volunteers to contribute to the protection and promotion of Nigeria's natural and cultural heritage while engaging with local communities, conservation professionals, government institutions, and fellow volunteers.
Participants will take part in practical conservation activities, environmental education, heritage documentation, community engagement, cultural exchange, and awareness activities aimed at strengthening local stewardship and supporting the long-term conservation of Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
THE PROJECT
About the Gashaka-Gumti National Park Project
The Action Camp at Gashaka-Gumti National Park and the Mambila Plateau is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers Initiative, which seeks to engage young people and communities in the protection, conservation, and promotion of cultural and natural heritage.
The 2026 project focuses on strengthening participatory conservation management by engaging local communities in stewardship, biodiversity protection, environmental education, ecosystem restoration, and volunteer-driven conservation activities. UNESCO has selected Gashaka Gumti National Park, located in the northeastern provinces of Taraba and Adamawa states, Nigeria, near the border with Cameroon, to be among the 87 Action Camp projects that will be implemented from April to December 2026 at 82 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, by 69 organizations in 37 countries around the globe. Under the 2026 theme, working on the Future, “WHV – Sustaining Heritage: Conservation and Community for World Heritage Recognition,”.
The programme will also support capacity-building in eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and park management, while enhancing the documentation and visibility of Gashaka-Gumti's natural and cultural attributes.
Through these activities, the Action Camp will contribute to advocacy for the park's future World Heritage inscription and foster stronger collaboration among communities, park authorities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Project Goal
The Gashaka-Gumti National Park project aims to strengthen community participation in the conservation and sustainable management of the park's natural and cultural heritage.
The project will focus on:
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Strengthening community stewardship and participation in conservation.
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Supporting biodiversity protection and non-invasive monitoring.
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Promoting environmental education and awareness.
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Supporting ecosystem restoration and sustainable environmental practices.
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Building capacity in eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and park management.
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Documenting and promoting the park's natural and cultural attributes.
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Increasing advocacy and public awareness towards the park's World Heritage recognition.
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Strengthening collaboration among communities, park authorities, government institutions, and civil society.
Project Activities
The 2026 Action Camp will combine practical conservation, public dialogue, community engagement, education, and media outreach.
Volunteers will participate in:
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Round-table discussions with local communities, institutions, and relevant stakeholders.
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Interpretive visits and heritage awareness activities.
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Biodiversity observation and non-invasive monitoring.
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Tree planting and environmental restoration.
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Trail maintenance.
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Wetland protection.
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Environmental education and community awareness.
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Advocacy and media outreach for heritage conservation.
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Eco-tourism awareness activities.
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Community stewardship and sustainable livelihood discussions.
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Engagement with park authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
All practical conservation activities will be undertaken under appropriate supervision and in collaboration with relevant park authorities.
About Gashaka-Gumti National Park and the Mambila Plateau
Gashaka-Gumti National Park
Gashaka Gumti National Park, 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.
The Mambila Plateau is a highland region of scenic beauty and rich biodiversity that covers about 9,389 square kilometers (3,626 square miles) in the southern part of the state. It is home to various ethnic groups, such as the Mambilla, Kaka, Fulani, Panso, and Ndola, and is the cradle of the Bantu people of southern and east Africa. These groups have distinctive cultures and traditions. The Mambila Known for its stunning landscapes and cool climate, the plateau is a cultural and ecological gem. Its unique environment and rich biodiversity offer an unparalleled backdrop for this year’s WHV initiative. The plateau also hosts several natural attractions, such as waterfalls, lakes, caves, rock formations, and rare plant and animal species. It is also the home of Nigeria’s largest tea plantation (Highland tea) with over 600,000 hectares of land.
https://youtu.be/IGhG9XA6GGM?si=Rqoa1jm5fiskZ48t
