The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is pleased to be an implementing partner of the European Union NaturAfrica initiative, which supports programmes that connect conservation and development in key national and transboundary landscapes in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the regional initiatives under the Global Gateway.
The NaturAfrica initiative supports biodiversity conservation in Africa through an innovative, people-centred approach. It identifies key landscapes for conservation and development where the European Union (EU) will focus its support to create jobs, improve security and sustainable livelihoods, while preserving the ecosystems and wildlife that are vital to all. Measures to support conservation include capacity-building, anti-poaching, ecological monitoring, research and management effectiveness.
The following approaches are fundamental to NaturAfrica:
- Improving complementarity of EU, EU Member State and other donor actions;
- Integrating human rights-based approaches;
- Ensuring local people take part in decision-making and management.
WCS and NaturAfrica Landscapes
Nature's recovery in Central African Republic
In August 2025, WCS captured photographic and video evidence of a lioness with three cubs at Bamingui-Bangoran National Park in northern Central African Republic for the first time in decades - a sign that the investment being made through NaturAfrica is creating stability, reducing poaching and helping the wildlife to return.
Sustainable cocoa in Nigeria
Through NaturAfrica, WCS is working to create a deforestation-free landscape in Cross River, Nigeria, bringing together local communities, local government and the private sector to support sustainable cocoa production that protects forest biodiversity and improves local livelihoods.
Green economy in the Republic of the Congo
WCS is working with local communities to ensure the continued conservation of the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of the Congo, which harbours pristine lowland rainforest and is home to many iconic species, notably forest elephants, Western lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees. With the support of NaturAfrica, WCS is developing green economy activities that benefit local communities, particularly women, through ecotourism and supporting local producers in small ruminant farming.
Recent launch in Cameroon
With support from NaturAfrica, Bénoué National Park in northern Cameroon is set to become a leading example of how conservation and sustainable development can thrive together. Through conserving biodiversity, fostering green livelihoods for local communities, and advancing inclusive, participatory governance, the initiative will create lasting benefits for people and nature.
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NaturAfrica at the IUCN Congress 2025
NaturAfrica - European Commission