High conservation value assessment of the Ologbo forest : In the framework of the "Green Olobgo" project initiated under SIAT/CIRAD collaboration

This report presents the findings of an HCVF (High Conservation Value Forest) identification process carried out on a local level, prior to oil palm development in the Ologbo area, southwestern Nigeria. It was part of an integrated assessment undertaken to complement a formal EIA. The ultimate objective was to provide elements for decision-making on land use planning and operational management in the oil palm estate, comparing agricultural capacity with ecological and social conservation value. In the past, the Ologbo forest was not seen as a priority site for biodiversity conservation in Nigeria, either by government agencies, by NGOs or by independent experts. However, due to indiscriminate logging practices and forest conversion in most of the protected areas of southwestern Nigeria, and even on a national scale, very few relatively undisturbed forests remain in the country. The Ologbo forest, although quite degraded and of very limited area, due to very high land pressure, is thus now recognised by conservationists as holding potential value for biodiversity conservation if efficient protection is put in place. (Résumé d'auteur