PADIC-Africa

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

When communities defend their forests, their voices must be heard.

A recent report by Global Witness highlights the continuing struggle of the Ekuri community in Cross River State to protect its community forest from illegal logging.

The report documents recent developments in Ekuri Forest, including the arrest and subsequent release of Dr. Martins Egot, Founder and Executive Director of PADIC Africa, following the community's efforts to resist an alleged illegal logging incursion.

It also reports on a January 2026 hearing before the Cross River State House Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, where concerns were raised about the environmental impact of logging in the forest. The committee directed Ezemac International to suspend activities that could escalate tensions and properly engage with the community in accordance with environmental regulations.

For the Ekuri people, the forest is not simply an expanse of trees.
It is home. It is livelihood. It is heritage. And it is a vital part of the community's future.

The story also reminds us of something fundamental about conservation:
Communities must have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the natural resources they depend upon.

Community-led conservation requires more than recognition. It requires effective protection of community rights, responsible enforcement of environmental regulations, adequate resources for local conservation efforts, and meaningful participation in forest governance.

At PADIC Africa, we remain committed to supporting communities to sustainably manage their natural resources, strengthen their resilience and participate actively in decisions affecting their environment.

The protection of Africa's forests cannot be separated from the protection and empowerment of the people who have lived alongside them for generations.

Read the full Global Witness report:https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/land-and-environmental-defenders/illegal-loggers-forced-to-leave-ekuri-forest-after-arrested-defenders-walk-free/

Rainforest Cafe

08/09/2026

Community development is not about doing things for people. It is about working with people.

For development to be lasting, communities must have a voice in identifying their challenges, shaping solutions, building skills, and taking ownership of the outcomes.

Too often, development is approached as something delivered to communities.

But sustainable change requires something different.

It requires participation, local knowledge, capacity, ownership, and shared responsibility.

When people are actively involved in shaping solutions that affect their lives, development becomes more than a project. It becomes something communities can understand, maintain, and build upon.

At PADIC Africa, we believe communities should not merely be beneficiaries of development.

They should be active participants in creating and sustaining it.

That principle guides our work across biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, capacity building, governance, and health.

Development works best when communities are not simply at the receiving end of the process, but at the heart of it.
Rainforest Rescue

31/08/2026

Why does biodiversity matter to rural communities?

Biodiversity is more than forests, wildlife, and plants. For many rural communities, healthy ecosystems are closely connected to everyday life.

Forests, rivers, wetlands, farmland and other natural resources can provide food, medicine, materials, income and other resources that communities depend on.

When these ecosystems are degraded, the consequences can extend beyond the environment. Livelihoods can become more vulnerable, natural resources can become harder to access, and communities can face greater challenges in sustaining their well-being.

This is why conservation should not be separated from community development.

At PADIC Africa, we believe that communities should be active participants in protecting and sustainably managing the natural resources around them.

Protecting biodiversity is also about protecting the foundations of community life.

What natural resource is most important to your community?
Let us know in the comment section.

Rainforest Rescue

25/08/2026

Eid Mubarak from all of us at PADIC Africa.

On this special occasion of Eid ul-Mawlid, we extend our warm wishes to Muslim communities across Nigeria and beyond.

May this occasion remind us of the values of compassion, service, peace, kindness, and care for one another.

May our communities continue to grow in unity, dignity, and hope.

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and blessed Eid.

20/08/2026

Why does PADIC Africa exist?

PADIC Africa exists because we believe that lasting development begins when communities are empowered to take an active role in shaping their own future.

Rural communities have knowledge, experience and valuable natural resources. But they also face challenges that can affect livelihoods, environmental sustainability, health and quality of life.

Our work is about bringing people together, strengthening knowledge and skills, supporting sustainable livelihoods, protecting natural resources and encouraging meaningful community participation.

We believe development should not create dependency.

It should build capacity.

It should help communities understand the resources around them, make informed decisions, develop sustainable opportunities and work together toward a healthier future.

This is the foundation of PADIC Africa.

Biodiversity conservation
Community development
Sustainable livelihoods
Capacity building
Good governance
Health and well-being

We believe communities are not just beneficiaries of development. They are partners in creating it.

01/07/2026

Happy new month

22/06/2026

We are hiring
Administrative Assistant
Location : Calabar

26/03/2026

We are hiring

29/01/2026

Press briefing
On illegal logging, community forests, and threats to peace in new ekuri, cross river state
Date : 22rd January 2026
Venue: PADIC-Africa office