UNESCO WHV Initiative 2026:

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:

• Strengthening community stewardship and participation in conservation. 

• Supporting biodiversity protection and non-invasive monitoring. 

• Promoting environmental education and awareness. 

• Supporting ecosystem restoration and sustainable environmental practices. 

• Building capacity in eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and park management. 

• Documenting and promoting the park's natural and cultural attributes. 

• Increasing advocacy and public awareness towards the park's World Heritage recognition. 

• 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:

• Round-table discussions with local communities, institutions, and relevant stakeholders. 

• Interpretive visits and heritage awareness activities. 

• Biodiversity observation and non-invasive monitoring. 

• Tree planting and environmental restoration. 

• Trail maintenance. 

• Wetland protection. 

• Environmental education and community awareness. 

• Advocacy and media outreach for heritage conservation. 

• Eco-tourism awareness activities. 

• Community stewardship and sustainable livelihood discussions. 

• 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 the Gashaka Gumti National Park and the Mambila Plateau

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.

Skills Learned by Volunteers:

Teamwork, cultural awareness, environmental education, project management, resilience, fieldwork, and research skills.

Involvement of International Volunteers: International volunteers will act as ambassadors for Gashaka Gumti Park and the Mambila Plateau, promoting environmental stewardship and heritage preservation.

Volunteer Roles

Over 10 days, volunteers will engage in activities designed to enhance their understanding of environmental conservation, cultural heritage, and community development. Participants will:

• Learn about the conservation of natural and cultural heritage sites.
• Engage in hands-on activities to protect the park’s biodiversity.
• Promote conservation awareness and sustainable livelihoods.
• Document and preserve cultural heritage sites and traditions.
• Assist with fieldwork, data collection, and analysis.
• Monitor water quality and restore watersheds.
• Track and record various species within the park.
•  Restore degraded areas and expand forests.
• Participate in various workshops and training sessions.

Volunteer Benefits:

• Receive an official certificate from the implementing organizations and UNESCO-affiliated bodies, recognizing your contribution.
• Learn about conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
• Gain fieldwork techniques, environmental education, community engagement, and heritage preservation skills.
• Connect with experts, scholars, government officials, development partners, and fellow youth leaders from around the world.
• Connect with nature, learn new skills, and positively impact the environment and local communities.
• Engage with local culture and interact with indigenous communities.

• Strengthen ties and cooperation between organizations and agencies involved in the project.
• Gain skills in photography, mapping, video production, and oral history collection for heritage promotion.

• Participants will be presented with Certificate of participation.
• Outdoor camping that will offers a designated spot for those seeking a rustic experience.

• Safari and Nature Walk volunteers will explore the vast park, creating lasting memories.
• Hiking on Nigeria’s highest mountain peak (CHAPPAL WADDI). 
• Experience cultural exchanges with local communities and other international volunteers

Eligibilities

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, but participants should be physically fit to meet the demands of the program.
• Volunteers must be available for the entire duration of the program, which typically lasts for 10 days
• Proficiency in English is required as it is the primary language of communication during the program.
• A genuine interest in conservation, wildlife protection, and cultural heritage is essential. 
• The ability to work well in a team is crucial as volunteers will be collaborating with others in various activities.
• Volunteers must be in good physical health and able to participate in physically demanding activities such as hiking, camping, manual labor, and other outdoor tasks.
• Volunteers must provide a medical certificate confirming they are fit to participate in the program at the point of registration during the camp.
•   Volunteers should disclose any allergies or chronic medical conditions that may affect their participation. Necessary medications and medical supplies should be brought by the volunteers.
• Comprehensive health insurance that covers international travel and activities in remote areas is mandatory for international volunteers

Eligible Regions: Open for All
Dates: 22nd – 29th September 2026
Participation Fees: (The Participation fees include – Accommodation, food, materials for hands-on activities, and Local Transportation for the duration of the entire program)

Nigeria (Local) Participants:  N40,000

Foreign (International) Participants: $200

NOTE: Spaces are limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reference Link to UNESCO Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/volunteers2026/

The 2026 Gashaka-Gumti WHV Action Camp is being implemented in collaboration with the Taraba State Government, Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Arts and Culture (OSAPAC) Taraba State Ministry of Heritage and Eco-Tourism, Federal Ministry of  Environment, National Parks Service, Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, National Council for Arts and Culture, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Nigerian Redcross Society, North-east Development Commission, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, National Troupe of Nigeria, Gashaka traditional Council,  Gashaka Local Government, Sardauna Local Government and Traditional Council, Nigerian Erosion and Water Management Project, Taraba State University, Nigerian Television Authority, News Agency of Nigeria and Highland Tea Farm Kakara

About the Sukur Cultural Heritage Project

The Sukur Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage property inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1999. It is located in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The landscape includes the Palace of the Hidi (Chief) situated on a hill above the surrounding villages, terraced agricultural fields, sacred symbols, traditional settlement patterns, and the remains of a once-flourishing iron industry. Together, these elements provide an exceptional expression of Sukur's spiritual, material, agricultural, architectural, and social traditions. UNESCO describes the landscape as a remarkably intact physical expression of a society and its spiritual and material culture. 

The program seeks to raise awareness and enhance youth involvement both locally and globally in implementing the 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The 2026 WHV Action Camp builds on previous interventions at Sukur, with a renewed focus on community-led conservation, climate resilience, environmental stewardship, preventive conservation, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods. Sukur is Africa’s first cultural landscape to receive a World Heritage List inscription.

This year's campaign is being implemented through 87 Action Camp projects at 82 World Heritage properties and sites on the Tentative Lists, by 69 organizations in 37 countries from April to December 2026. The initiative will provide national and international volunteers with opportunities to work alongside local communities and site managers through hands-on conservation, awareness-raising, education, and intercultural activities.

Project Goal

The Action Camp will seek to:

• Promote environmental stewardship and climate resilience. 

• Strengthen preventive conservation of heritage structures and landscapes. 

• Promote sustainable land-use practices and climate-smart skills. 

• Support restoration and maintenance activities. 

• Strengthen documentation and record-keeping related to heritage conservation. 

• Create livelihood opportunities linked to heritage protection. 

• Document Sukur's living heritage, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices. 

• Use storytelling and media to increase awareness of Sukur's heritage and climate action. 

• Promote intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer. 

• Strengthen collaboration among communities, traditional authorities, heritage institutions, environmental agencies, academic institutions, and other partners. 

• Support continued advocacy for the protection and sustainable development of Sukur Cultural Landscape. 

Project Activities

The 2026 Action Camp will combine practical conservation, environmental activities, heritage documentation, community engagement, cultural exchange, and media outreach. Volunteers will participate in heritage storytelling and documentation, dialogue with traditional authorities and institutional stakeholders, preventive maintenance of vernacular structures, and the documentation and revival of traditional crafts and indigenous knowledge. Activities will also include the maintenance of terraces and pathways, tree planting, composting, soil conservation and other climate-smart practices, as well as environmental awareness and climate resilience sessions.

The programme will further support community engagement and knowledge-sharing, including activities that contribute to the continuation of the Sukur Landscape Community Carbon Market Initiative. Volunteers will explore Sukur’s vernacular architecture, with particular attention to termite-resistant circular huts, while working with local guilds to support traditional ironworks and crafts. Workshops will also focus on sustainable development, eco-friendly agriculture, literacy and small-scale entrepreneurship.

About the Sukur Cultural Landscape, Nigeria: Cultural property inscribed on the World Heritage List (1999)

Sukur is located in Madagali local government area of Adamawa State of Nigeria along Nigeria/ Cameroon border, some 290 km from Yola, the Adamawa State capital of north-eastern Nigeria. It is a hilltop settlement which stands at an elevation of 1045 m. The total land area covered by the site is 1942.50 ha, with the core zone having 764.40 ha and the buffer zone 1178.10 ha, respectively. Sukur is an ancient settlement with a recorded history of iron smelting technology, flourishing trade, and strong political institutions dating back to the 16th century.

The landscape is characterized by terraces on the farmlands, dry stone structures and stone paved walkways. The terraced landscape at Sukur with its hierarchical structure and combination of intensive and extensive farming is remarkable. In addition, it has certain exceptional features that are not to be found elsewhere, notably the use of paved tracks and the spiritual content of the terraces, with their ritual features such as sacred trees.

Involvement of International Volunteers:

International volunteers will act as ambassadors for Sukur World heritage site to promote environmental stewardship and heritage preservation.

Skills Learned by Volunteers: Teamwork, cultural awareness, environmental education, project management, resilience, fieldwork, and research skills.

Volunteer Role

• Preservation Activities: Engaging in hands-on tasks such as maintaining and restoring dry-stone walls, wood structures, straw roofs, and mountain trails to preserve the traditional architecture and landscape of Sukur.
• Cultural Heritage Education: Learning and applying traditional techniques in producing iron tools, crafting artisanal handcrafts, and creating items like baskets, pottery, and calabashes.
• Awareness-Raising: Organizing and participating in activities to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage preservation, including hiking, musical evenings, and performing arts.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities to strengthen the cultural bonds and enhance the understanding and appreciation of Sukur's heritage.
• Documentation and Promotion: Assisting in the production of a documentary and that highlights the activities performed during the initiative and promotes the Sukur Cultural Landscape.
• Innovation and Education: Contributing to innovative projects and educational workshops aimed at fostering resilience and sustainability within the community

Volunteer Benefits:

• Receive an official certificate from the implementing organizations and UNESCO-affiliated bodies, recognizing your contribution.
• Cultural Immersion: Volunteers get the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Sukur people, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of their traditions and history.
• Meeting with the Hidi (Chief-in-Council) of Sukur Kingdom, the coveted throne that has been sustained for over 600 years
• Connect with experts, scholars, government officials, development partners, and fellow youth leaders from around the world.
• Hands-On Experience: Engaging in preservation activities provides practical experience in traditional architecture, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage conservation techniques.
• Skill Development: Participants can develop and enhance a range of skills, including project management, teamwork, leadership, and specific technical skills related to restoration and conservation.
• Community Engagement: Working closely with local communities fosters meaningful connections and cultural exchange, promoting mutual respect and understanding.
• Access to the Ancient Shrines and other anthropologically sensitive sites of history in the Sukur Kingdom and the surrounding communities.
• Engage with local culture and interact with indigenous communities.
• Strengthen ties and cooperation between organizations and agencies involved in the project.
• Hiking on the Madara mountain
• Gain skills in photography, mapping, video production, and oral history collection for heritage promotion.

Eligibilities

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, but participants should be physically fit to meet the demands of the program.
• Volunteers must be available for the entire duration of the program, which typically lasts for 10 days
• Proficiency in English is required as it is the primary language of communication during the program.
• A genuine interest in conservation, wildlife protection, and cultural heritage is essential.
• The ability to work well in a team is crucial as volunteers will be collaborating with others in various activities.
• Volunteers must be in good physical health and able to participate in physically demanding activities such as hiking, camping, manual labor, and other outdoor tasks.
• Volunteers must provide a medical certificate confirming they are fit to participate in the program at the point of registration during the camp.
• Volunteers should disclose any allergies or chronic medical conditions that may affect their participation. Necessary medications and medical supplies should be brought by the volunteers.
• Comprehensive health insurance that covers international travel and activities in remote areas is mandatory for international volunteers

Eligible Regions: Open for All
Dates: 6th to 17th  November 2026
Participation Fees: (The Participation fees include – Accommodation, food, materials for hands-on activities, and Local Transportation for the duration of the entire program)

Nigeria (Local) Participants:  N40,000

Foreign (International) Participants: $200

NOTE: Spaces are limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reference Link to UNESCO Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/volunteers2026/ 

Implementing Partners 2025

• Adamawa State Government

• National Commission for Museums and Monuments

• Adamawa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism

• Adamawa State Agency for Museums and Monuments

• North-East Development Commission

• Sukur Traditional Council

• Sukur Development and Youth Association

• Sukur Students Association

• Nigerian Red Cross Society

• Nigerian Television Authority

• News Agency of Nigeria

• Nigerian Tourism Development Authority

• American University of Nigeria

• National Council for Arts and Culture

• Sukur Youth Development Association

• National Association of Sukur Students

• Kinjir Foundation

• National Institute for Cultural Orientation

• Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization

• Nigerian Erosion and Water Management Project

• National Agency for the Great Green Wall

• National Council for Climate Change