Protecting 1,731 acres of the Guinea rainforest

The Guinea rainforest, a lush expanse teeming with biodiversity, stands as a critical bastion for the delicate balance of our planet's ecology. Spanning across West Africa, this verdant ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for a multitude of plant and animal species, playing a pivotal role in maintaining global biodiversity. Among its invaluable inhabitants are several species teetering on the brink of extinction, their survival intricately tied to the health of this vibrant rainforest.

The Guinea rainforest's significance lies not only in its sheer abundance of trees but also in the diversity of its flora, enhancing its capacity to sequester carbon effectively. Preserving this rich ecosystem is not only crucial for the myriad of species it shelters but also for its pivotal role in slowing down the ominous progression of global warming, highlighting the irreplaceable contribution of the Guinea rainforest to the delicate balance of the planet's climate.

The Guinea rainforest stands as a critical sanctuary for the survival of the African Forest Elephant, a species classified as Critically Endangered. This lush expanse, bordering Sierra Leone, hosts the largest and only viable population of these majestic creatures in Guinea. The survival of the African Forest Elephant is intricately linked to the health and preservation of the Guinea rainforest. As crucial architects of their environment, these elephants play a unique role in seed dispersal, shaping the composition and structure of the forest. Their presence is not only a testament to the rainforest's ecological richness but also highlights the interconnectedness between the fate of endangered species and the well-being of their habitat. The conservation of the Guinea rainforest becomes not just a matter of preserving biodiversity but a direct effort to protect the very existence of a species on the brink of extinction, underscoring the paramount importance of maintaining the delicate balance of this vital ecosystem.

In addition to the Critically Endangered African Forest Elephants the Guinea rainforest is home to the following at risk species;

The Guinea rainforest, a bastion of biodiversity, faces a looming threat that imperils its vital inhabitants. Hosting the largest and only viable population of the Critically Endangered African Forest Elephant, alongside the largest population of the Critically Endangered Western Chimpanzee in West Africa, this rich ecosystem is a global conservation priority. However, these emblematic species, along with pangolins and critically endangered vultures, now confront an existential risk.

The construction of a 100-mile iron ore railway, featuring four tunnels and 43 bridges, traverses their sensitive habitat to connect a colossal mine with the coast. This endeavour not only causes habitat fragmentation and degradation but poses a direct threat to the survival of species already teetering on the brink of extinction. Illegal logging, bushmeat hunting, and slash-and-burn agriculture further exacerbate the challenges, casting a shadow over the rainforest's future. Urgent and concerted conservation efforts are imperative to counteract these threats, preserving the delicate balance of the Guinea rainforest and securing the continued existence of its extraordinary and endangered biodiversity.

Rainforest Trust, in collaboration with its local partner, The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, is actively engaged in a transformative conservation endeavour alongside the government of Guinea and local communities. Their collective efforts aim to establish the 560,512-acre Pinselli-Soyah-Sabouyah National Park, a significant step towards safeguarding the delicate ecology of the Guinea rainforest. This visionary project takes on added significance as the new park is strategically designed to connect with the adjacent Outamba-Kilimi National Park in Sierra Leone, creating a vast wildlife corridor that facilitates the movement of wide-roaming species, including the endangered African Forest Elephant.

The project goes beyond the creation of a protected area. It serves as a bulwark against the exploitation of forests in Guinea, particularly in the face of the looming railway construction threat. Once designated a national park, rigorous monitoring will be implemented to minimize the impact of the railway on vulnerable species. Proactive measures include restricting public access to the park's interior and preventing the transportation of bushmeat along the rail line. Moreover, to counter illegal logging, timber trafficking, slash-and-burn practices, and poaching, the new national park will enforce strict prohibitions on logging, hunting, and mining, ensuring the preservation of this critical habitat for generations to come.

EnviroBuild, in collaboration with Rainforest Trust UK, has played an important role in the conservation of the Guinea rainforest by safeguarding 1,731 acres, contributing significantly to Rainforest Trust's broader mission of protecting 560,512 proposed acres. This project is instrumental not only in preserving a crucially biodiverse region but also in providing protection to endangered species that call this rainforest home. Beyond the immediate ecological benefits, this conservation effort has a profound impact on the global climate, with the protected area estimated to store an impressive 28,806,966 metric tons of CO2 equivalents. This protection of this park will prevent emissions comparable to 6.2 million gas powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.

This project will play a crucial part in safeguarding the vital ecosystem of the Guinea rainforest. The initiative will provide essential protection to the diverse array of endangered species that inhabit the region, ensuring their survival and contributing to the broader conservation of global biodiversity. Furthermore, the conservation of these acres prevents a substantial release of carbon into the atmosphere, acting as a formidable carbon sink and helping combat climate change. To find out ways you can get involved go to the

Rainforest Trust UK's website here.