Biodiversity Preservation Centre Akwa Ibom: Green Tourism Hub

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Introduction: Biodiversity in Peril, Hope in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State, situated in the richly biodiverse Niger Delta and cross-Niger moist forest zones of southeast Nigeria, is home to some of the country’s most vulnerable wildlife, including endemic primates, tortoises, and rare crocodiles. With rapid development and habitat loss, the need for local conservation infrastructure became pressing. Enter the Biodiversity Preservation Centre (BPC): Akwa Ibom’s first-ever conservation and education facility, created to foster awareness, preserve fauna, and connect people to nature in sustainable, meaningful ways. Biodiversity Preservation Centre.

The Ecosystem: Biodiversity Preserved in a Sanctuary

Founded in 1996, originally in Calabar and re-established in 2010 at Afaha Idoro, Uyo, BPC stands out as the only wildlife conservation education centre in Akwa Ibom State. (Wikipedia, My Niger Delta, WorldOrgs). It operates both in‑situ and ex-situ conservation through a small sanctuary and mini-zoo, housing rescued or confiscated animals, including forest hingeback tortoises (Kinixys erosa and K. homeana), the African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus), and up to 26 species of birds, reptiles, and small mammals like bush babies, monkeys, and snails.

Beyond sheltering species, BPC conducts field biological research on endangered primates (e.g., Cross-River gorilla, Preuss’s red colobus monkey), tortoises, manatees, and crocodiles in collaboration with academic and international partners. It also monitors habitats threatened by bushmeat trading and environmental degradation.

Sustainability in Action: Ecological & Educational Infrastructure

Green Education & Awareness

BPC’s core mission is conservation education. It hosts anti-bushmeat campaigns, tree-planting initiatives, birdwatching, and public outreach aligned with global international days, such as World Rainforest Day.

Species Rescue & Care

The centre is home to over 600 reptiles and other animals seized by Nigerian authorities, offering them rehabilitation, veterinary care, and a second chance in near-natural enclosures.

Research & Community Engagement

BPC collaborates with the University of Uyo, the University of Calabar, Cross River National Park, and NGOs such as PANDRILLUS and CERCOPAN to share findings and co-design conservation interventions. This includes primate field surveys and anti-poaching awareness initiatives in nearby forest reserves, such as Stubb Creek, which is home to endangered monkeys and reptiles.

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Eco‑Leisure Done Right: Connecting People to Nature

While it’s not a massive ecotourism resort, BPC offers eco-leisure experiences rooted in awareness, observation, and education.

Wildlife Sanctuary & Mini‑Zoo

Visitors can safely and ethically encounter native species, learn about Senegal parrots, dwarf crocodiles, turtles, bush babies, frogs, and more, all housed in semi-natural habitats. Most animals arrived via rescue or confiscation from the bushmeat or pet trades in the Niger Delta.

Birdwatching & Outdoor Learning

Designated birding zones and nature trails provide an opportunity to learn about the local species and ecology. Student groups from schools and universities regularly visit. For example, the Assemblies of God Church and High Praises International School conducted organised tours in 2022, while university audiences and wildlife society leaders visited the Biodiversity Preservation Centre earlier.

Educational Tours & Community Integration

Guided visits illustrate conservation stories and habitat function, with interactive experiences—ideal for families, eco-clubs, and researchers alike. According to visitors on review platforms, “learning here was really fun,” and the centre is described as “a haven for wildlife and for those of us who love to learn about them.

Community & Education: Catalysing Local Conservation

Youth Engagement & Public Awareness

BPC emphasises reaching young audiences through school eco-clubs, outreach initiatives, and media campaigns. Anti-bushmeat messages are amplified through radio, television, workshops, and storytelling in the host communities.

Local Partnerships & Volunteerism

The centre works closely with local communities, particularly in Itu LGA and Mbiakong, where community wildlife sanctuaries protect endangered species, such as Sclater’s guenon and the Red-capped mangabey. These areas even received visits from Dr. Russell Mittermeier, a world-renowned primatologist, who hailed BPC’s work as a pivotal turning point for Nigerian conservation, as well as the efforts of the  World.

Training & Capacity Building

BPC encourages local participation via volunteer roles and training in wildlife care, sanctuary management, and guiding. It also engages in livelihood alternatives and “Only livestock” initiatives, discouraging hunters and encouraging sustainable livelihoods.

Expert Insights & Visitor Voices

“This is the best Conservation Education centre in Akwa Ibom State… Visitors can see different wildlife species rescued from bushmeat markets and rehabilitated in near-natural conditions.” -Online review-WorldOrgs

 

“With over 600 reptiles under custody and strong field research connections, BPC is Nigeria’s leading primate and reptile conservation NGO.” – Context from BPC project descriptions, Biodiversity Preservation Centre.

Dr. Russell Mittermeier, who visited in 2018, stated that Nigeria’s endangered primates are globally significant and lauded local communities working with BPC to maintain habitats for Sclater’s guenon and the red-capped mangabey.

Balancing Conservation and Development: Challenges & Opportunities

Faced Challenges:

• Space constraints: The sanctuary operates on limited acreage, limiting capacity for housing rescued wildlife fully[ My Niger Delta]
• Funding & Government Support: BPC primarily relies on individual donors and NGO partnerships; state-level backing remains minimal,
• Veterinary Access: The scarcity of wildlife-trained veterinarians in Akwa Ibom has necessitated difficult decisions, including the release of animals due to care limitations.
• Staffing & Logistics: Recruiting skilled and passionate conservation professionals remains a significant operational challenge.

Strengths & Aspirations:

• Strong alliances with universities, national parks, and NGOs give BPC scientific and programmatic credibility.
• Its visitor appeal and educational reach have steadily grown through school tours, seminars, and public engagement.
• Visionary goals include creating a protected area in Akwa Ibom, expanding the sanctuary, and scaling out anti-poaching and restoration programs across southern Nigeria.

 

Future Goals & Role in Global Ecotourism

Looking ahead, BPC aims to become more than a local sanctuary; it wants to be a model for biodiversity education and sustainable ecotourism in West Africa.

• Enhancing its visitor infrastructure, education facilities, and species care spaces.
• Launching a conservation volunteer program, inviting international and academic participants.
• Hosting more research collaborations on primate, reptile, and wetland ecology in Akwa Ibom’s threatened reserves like Stubb Creek and beyond.
• Strengthening habitat restoration and community livelihood projects, aligning with broader goals of biodiversity protection and climate resilience.

Conclusion: Supporting a Conservation Vanguard

The Biodiversity Preservation Centre of Akwa Ibom exemplifies what ecological stewardship looks like on the front lines.

It provides:

• A safe haven for threatened species rescued from the bushmeat trade and habitat loss.
• Education for all ages, turning awareness into action.
• A platform for scientific inquiry, conservation policy advocacy, and community empowerment.
• A visitor experience that is both enriching and respectful of nature.

How You Can Help:

1. Visit responsibly. Support BPC’s sanctuary while learning from its programs.
2. Volunteer or intern. Contributions of time and talent matter.
3. Donate or partner. Help support veterinary care, habitat conservation, and community engagement.
4. Spread the word. Amplify the centre’s mission through social media, articles, and ecotourism networks.

As global demand for eco-friendly, biodiversity-based tourism grows, BPC demonstrates that even small-scale centres can have a significant impact. The sanctuary in Uyo may be modest, but its vision is global in scope.

Falcorp’s model in Warri revolutionised mangrove ecotourism. In Akwa Ibom, BPC is also undertaking similar initiatives for wildlife conservation and environmental education.

FAQs on Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Akwa Ibom

What is the Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Akwa Ibom?

The Biodiversity Preservation Centre (BPC) is a conservation and education facility in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It shelters rescued wildlife, conducts biodiversity research, and promotes conservation education for schools, communities, and visitors.

Why is the Biodiversity Preservation Centre important for conservation in Nigeria?

The centre protects endangered species like forest tortoises, dwarf crocodiles, and primates threatened by the bushmeat trade and habitat loss. It also partners with universities and NGOs to support wildlife research and community-based conservation.

Can tourists visit the Biodiversity Preservation Centre?

Yes. Visitors can explore the sanctuary and mini-zoo, enjoy birdwatching, and participate in educational tours. BPC offers eco-leisure experiences that connect people to wildlife and highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation.

How does the Biodiversity Preservation Centre engage local communities?

BPC runs eco-clubs in schools, organizes anti-bushmeat campaigns, trains youths in wildlife care and guiding, and supports alternative livelihoods to reduce pressure on natural habitats.

What challenges does the Biodiversity Preservation Centre face?

The centre faces challenges such as limited space for rescued wildlife, insufficient funding, and a shortage of trained wildlife veterinarians. Despite these, it continues to grow through partnerships, education programs, and community involvement.

How can I support the Biodiversity Preservation Centre in Akwa Ibom?

You can support BPC by visiting responsibly, donating to its programs, volunteering, or helping spread awareness of its mission to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity.