Reviving a Sanctuary: ACReSAL’s Transformative Impact on Jos Wildlife Park

The Jos Wildlife Park, a key ecological and tourist site in Nigeria, had faced significant challenges in the past. These have taken a toll on the park’s ecosystem and wildlife. However, everything changed with the intervention  of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.

Hajiya Fati Othman, a staff member of the University of Jos who resides opposite the park, vividly remembers the struggles the park faced before the ACReSAL intervention. “Before the ACReSAL project interventions, many areas of the park were struggling to support wildlife due to habitat loss,” she said.

But with ACReSAL’s support, the park has undergone a remarkable transformation. The project has prioritised conservation initiatives and community involvement, recognising the crucial role local populations play in wildlife conservation.

To safeguard the wildlife and ecosystem of Jos Wildlife Park, Plateau State ACReSAL provided crucial support. The project constructed 17.1km of perimeter fencing to secure the park’s boundaries and prevent encroachment. Additionally, ACReSAL supplied uniforms, walkie-talkies, and motorcycles to enhance security measures. The park management also received desktop and laptop computers to streamline operations, as well as a Toyota Safari van for transportation.

Furthermore, ACReSAL provided raincoats, rain boots, and grass-cutting machines to facilitate maintenance activities. The installation of 20 Solar street lights promotes sustainability and ensures the park’s illumination. These provisions collectively aim to ensure the effective protection and management of the Jos Wildlife Park ecosystem.

The ACReSAL project has also focused on promoting sustainable tourism as a means to protect forest reserve areas and generate revenue for the park and surrounding communities. The remodelling and renovation of facilities, including the animal museum, parks, restaurant, café, kitchen, bar, chalets, tractors garage, workshop, and public toilets, solar powered boreholes and lights have enhanced the visitor experience.

The impact of the ACReSAL project support is evident in the park’s increased revenue and tourist arrivals. The annual income from tourism has doubled, from 13,042,635 million to over 26 million, and tourist arrivals have surged from 379,783 in 2023 to approximately 1 million.

The increase in tourism has had a positive impact on local businesses and vendors, stimulating the local economy and creating jobs. Local vendors have seen a rise in demand for their products, leading to higher sales and potential for expansion.

The ACReSAL interventions have also fostered cultural exchange, allowing local vendors to showcase their crafts and traditions, enhancing community pride and cultural preservation. The project’s impact extends beyond the park’s walls, benefiting the local community and promoting sustainable development.

Through publicity and enlightenment programs, ACReSAL has engaged local communities in sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their livelihoods.

Emmanuel Dogo, a local farmer in Dong, is one of the many beneficiaries of the project. “The sensitisation we received has changed how we farm,” he said. “We are now able to grow crops that are more resilient to climate change, and we understand the importance of protecting our environment.”

As the ACReSAL project continues its interventions, stakeholders remain optimistic about the long-term benefits. Mr. Chuwang Pwajok, General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, expressed commitment to ensuring the Jos Wildlife Park remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a source of pride for the state.

“The progress we’ve made so far is encouraging, but there is still much work to be done,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that the Jos Wildlife Park remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a source of pride for the state, all appreciation to the World Bank and ACReSAL project.”

The future looks bright for the Jos Wildlife Park, and the ACReSAL project is poised to make a lasting impact on the park’s ecosystem, local communities, and economy. With its focus on sustainable practices, community engagement, and conservation, the project is a shining example of what can be achieved when stakeholders come together to protect and preserve our natural heritage.