Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh is a Nigerian conservationist and winner of a Whitley award in 2020, who studied at DICE between 2014 and 2015. She is now the director of South West and Niger Delta Forest Project, a conservation program for endangered primates.<\/p>\n
I am a Nigerian conservationist, biodiversity management strategist, and change advocate. I founded the SW\/Niger Delta Forest Project in 2012, a conservation initiative focused on grassroots efforts, which has recently expanded into a dynamic team of 93 members recruited from local institutions and indigenous communities. We are implementing critical interventions for threatened ecosystems and species in the complex socio-ecological landscapes of Southern Nigeria. Together with my team, I have led successful campaigns and actions to protect critical species on the verge of extinction, resulting in the establishment of four new protected areas and promoting sustainable land-use practices. We are the only NGO\/group in Nigeria that has spearheaded the creation of protected areas amongst other pioneering initiatives. I have been Co-Vice Chair of the Africa Section of the IUCN\/SSC Primate Specialist Group since 2016, co-founded the African Primatological Society in 2017, serve on the International Primatology Society (IPS) education and election committees, and recently joined the Board of the Swiss-based Forest Conservation Fund. I was also recently nominated to the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) Scientific Commission.<\/p>\n
My time at DICE was pivotal in shaping my career, providing me with the requisite skills and knowledge to tackle complex conservation challenges. The intensive training I received in Conservation Project Management<\/a> helped significantly to improve my understanding in project planning, ecological complexities, and stakeholder engagement. It also ingrained in me a deep appreciation for the integration of scientific research with practical conservation efforts.<\/p>\n The diverse and multidisciplinary setting at DICE exposed me to various perspectives and methodologies, which have proven invaluable in my professional endeavours. Furthermore, the network of peers and mentors I established during my study continues to inspire me and keep me grounded, reminding me that after all, conservation in practice is a shared experience and rooted in quality collaborative work.<\/p>\n In summary, DICE has equipped me to adeptly navigate my multifaceted role and to lead my impactful conservation projects with confidence and proficiency.<\/p>\n One of the highlights of my time at DICE is working alongside a diverse group of fellow students and faculty, I was able to engage in hands-on activities, field trips that brought theoretical concepts to life. This not only solidified my understanding but also fostered a sense of community and collective purpose.<\/p>\n Additionally, the mentorship I received during my year-end project\/thesis was invaluable. Being guided by an experienced conservationist and academic \u2013 Professor Bob Smith<\/a> \u2013 allowed me to refine my approach and gain insights that have proven pivotal in my current initiatives, particularly in strategic conservation planning.<\/p>\n _<\/p>\n Thanks for being this month’s spotlight, Rachel. All the best in your amazing work!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What do you consider to be the highlight of your time at DICE?<\/h4>\n