Queentrepreneur Women's Foundation Partners with West African Conservation Network for Long-Term Community and Environmental Development in Kainji Reserve
In an inspiring commitment to environmental and community empowerment, Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation (QWF) has partnered with the West African Conservation Network (WACN) to establish a Community Development Center in Nigeria’s Kainji Reserve. This 31-year land lease agreement marks a landmark venture aimed at strengthening local communities, protecting biodiversity, and creating sustainable tourism opportunities in the reserve, which holds one of West Africa’s most cherished natural ecosystems.
The center will provide a unique space where women from surrounding communities can gain critical skill sets through vocational training and business development programs. These initiatives are designed not only to empower women in economically vulnerable communities but also to build resilient livelihoods that discourage environmentally harmful practices such as poaching and deforestation.
Tessy Nkechi Egonu Founder of Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation, explained,
“Through this partnership, we’re not only investing in the future of women but also in the preservation of our environment and natural heritage. By equipping women with skills, we can foster community-led conservation that uplifts lives and protects precious natural resources.“
In addition to skill acquisition and economic empowerment programs, the center aims to support a variety of environmental conservation activities within the reserve. The partnership with WACN includes efforts to fundraise for wildlife protection and anti-poaching efforts, essential to preserving the rich biodiversity of Kainji Reserve. As wildlife attracts eco-conscious tourism, the center hopes to amplify Nigeria’s tourism sector, inviting visitors from around the world to experience the beauty of Kainji while fostering sustainable practices.
Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This partnership aligns with several key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including:
- SDG 1: No Poverty – By providing women with income-generating skills and opportunities, the initiative aims to reduce poverty in local communities.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Through skill acquisition and vocational training, the center will deliver lifelong learning opportunities for women and community members.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – Women’s empowerment is a central focus of the center, as it prioritizes gender-inclusive economic and social opportunities.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By enhancing local skills and providing alternative sources of income, the center will foster sustainable economic growth and reduce dependency on unsustainable practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – By engaging the community in sustainable land use and conservation, the project directly addresses climate change mitigation efforts.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The center’s conservation initiatives protect wildlife and their habitats, promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
As Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation and West African Conservation Network look ahead to the decades of this partnership, they stand as advocates of a model for holistic, sustainable development. This initiative brings hope not only for women and their families but for the future of West Africa’s natural landscapes and the species that call Kainji Reserve home.
