By Barbara Nwaiwu
A Nigerian conservation ecologist, Iroro Tanshi, has been named Africa’s recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize, in recognition of her work in protecting biodiversity and preventing wildfires.
The award, announced on the 20th of April in San Francisco, honours grassroots environmental advocates from across the world for their efforts to safeguard the natural environment.
NatureNews notes that three Nigerians have received the prestigious reward in the past, with Iroro Tanshi being the first Nigerian woman to receive it.
Tanshi was recognised for her conservation work in and around the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Cross River State, where she has focused on protecting endangered species and restoring ecosystems.
Her efforts gained attention after she rediscovered the short-tailed roundleaf bat in Nigeria, a species that had not been recorded in the country for decades.
Following the discovery, she identified human-induced wildfires as a major threat to the species’ survival.
In response, she launched a community-based wildfire prevention initiative, working with local residents and farmers to reduce fire risks and promote safer land-use practices.
The programme involved training community fire brigades, introducing early warning systems, and supporting coordinated responses to fire outbreaks.
Between 2022 and 2025, the initiative responded to more than 70 fire incidents in surrounding forests and farmlands, helping to prevent large-scale wildfires and protect both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Tanshi is also the co-founder of the Small Mammal Conservation Organization, where her work focuses on wildlife protection, forest restoration, and community-driven conservation efforts.
The Goldman Environmental Prize, awarded annually, recognises environmental activists from different regions of the world who are working to address ecological challenges through grassroots action.
