Gashaka Gumti Forest wins global climate recognition as its carbon project joins CAPE, boosting Nigeria’s role in nature-based climate solutions

The announcement, made on Tuesday, represents a major step forward for Nigeria in advancing nature-based climate solutions.

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Chosen from over 100 applicants across 28 African countries, the Gashaka Gumti Forest Carbon Project emerged as one of just four initiatives to secure feasibility and development support under CAPE’s inaugural cohort.

Organisers stressed that the programme is designed to mobilise investment into projects that cut emissions, protect biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and create livelihoods for local communities.

As Nigeria’s largest national park and one of West Africa’s richest biodiversity zones, Gashaka Gumti will focus on regenerating forests within its vast landscape.

Alongside it, Kenya’s Papariko Mangroves, Tanzania’s Rubeho Mountains, and Zambia’s Barotse Rangelands were also selected, reflecting the diversity of Africa’s ecological wealth.

Launched in November 2024 and funded by FSD Africa in partnership with the African Natural Capital Alliance and Finance Earth, CAPE aims to address the chronic shortage of early-stage financing for nature-based carbon projects.

It provides recoverable grants and advisory services to help projects move from concept to investment readiness.

Reshma Shah, Carbon Markets Lead at FSD Africa, described the initiative as a blueprint for redefining global investment in nature.

“CAPE shows that Africa’s natural capital is not just a solution to the climate crisis but a catalyst for tackling interconnected planetary challenges while unlocking fair and inclusive growth,” she said.

For Nigeria, the Gashaka Gumti Forest project is expected to restore degraded ecosystems, protect endangered wildlife, and sequester millions of tonnes of carbon.

Just as importantly, it promises new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and eco-investment—positioning the country as a frontrunner in Africa’s green economy transition.

Analysts suggest that the success of CAPE’s pilot projects could set a benchmark for climate financing across the continent.

If scaled effectively, the model has the potential to attract billions in public and private capital while narrowing the biodiversity funding gap estimated at up to $824 billion annually.

The selection of Gashaka Gumti Forest underscores not only the urgency of climate action but also the growing recognition of Africa’s role in shaping the global environmental agenda.

It stands as both a victory for Nigeria’s biodiversity and a testament to the continent’s power to lead in sustainable growth.