We transferred the first funds for project support in 2013: Andrew Dunn, our partner at WCS Nigeria, had asked us to fund the renovation of the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters, including the installation of solar panels. The estimated cost: US$ 10,000.

The office building is very important for the day-to-day running of the sanctuary. However, lack of proper maintenance has resulted in a gradual but steady dilapidation to a state where the building is almost uninhabitable; all the staff have moved out and the office is not functioning as well as it should. This has adversely affected management and protection of the sanctuary, especially the protection of the Cross River gorillas resident within the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. Extensive repair work is needed urgently to avoid an outright collapse of the building. The building renovation will be total; it will include replacing the damaged roof with new roofing sheets including the replacement of all damaged timber, replacing damaged ceilings, fixing of toilets and broken pipes. Other repairs required include mending of all damaged walls and pavement as well as repainting of the whole building. It is also planned to install a solar power system to guarantee regular power for effective service delivery.