Nigeria has recorded another global milestone as conservation ecologist Iroro Tanshi emerges as one of the winners of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize, one of the world’s most respected awards for grassroots environmental work.
Often referred to as the “Green Nobel”, the prize recognises individuals driving real environmental change within their communities. Tanshi now becomes the fourth Nigerian to receive the honour, placing her work firmly on the global stage.
From Rare Discovery to Global Recognition
Tanshi’s journey to international recognition began with a scientific breakthrough. During field research in Cross River State, she rediscovered the short-tailed roundleaf bat, a species that had not been recorded in Nigeria for nearly 50 years.
What should have been a headline scientific moment quickly turned into a race against time.
Shortly after the discovery, wildfires broke out across parts of the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, threatening the fragile habitat of the bats and other wildlife. The fires, largely caused by human activity such as land clearing, exposed a deeper environmental challenge affecting both biodiversity and local communities.
Rather than focus only on research, Tanshi took action.
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A Community-First Approach to Conservation
At the centre of Tanshi’s work is a simple but effective idea: conservation must work for people, not against them.
As co-founder of the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (SMACON), she led a community-driven approach to tackling wildfire risks while protecting endangered species. Her strategy focused on working directly with local communities, helping them understand the risks of uncontrolled fires and offering practical alternatives.
She helped establish local fire control measures and supported the creation of community-led fire brigades. These efforts did not just protect forests; they also addressed a real concern for farmers whose livelihoods were at risk from uncontrolled wildfires.
Her work also tackled long-standing cultural perceptions. In many parts of Nigeria, bats are often misunderstood and linked to fear or superstition. Tanshi and her team engaged communities through education, outreach, and storytelling, helping people understand the ecological value of bats, including their role in pollination and seed dispersal.
This shift in perception proved critical. By connecting conservation to everyday life, she gained community trust and participation.
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Lasting Impact Beyond the Award
The results have been clear. Between 2022 and 2025, community-led efforts helped prevent major wildfires in and around the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. At the same time, awareness around wildlife conservation has grown, and local participation continues to strengthen.
Tanshi’s work stands out not just for protecting a species, but for building a model where conservation and community well-being go hand in hand. It shows that sustainable solutions are more effective when people see direct value in protecting their environment.
Beyond the Goldman Prize, she has also received global recognition through awards such as the Future For Nature Award, reinforcing her position as a leading voice in African conservation.
Her achievement also highlights a broader shift. African researchers and environmental leaders are increasingly shaping global conversations, bringing local solutions to global challenges.
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