As the world marks International Primates Day on September 1st, West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) reflects on the importance of primate conservation, as 60% of the species worldwide are at risk of extinction.
Primates are some of the most intelligent and social animals on the planet, from playful monkeys to majestic great apes, they share many traits with humans and are vital seed dispersers for the health of their ecosystems. Sadly, however many primate species face threats like habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade.
WAPCA is a local NGO working in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to protect threatened primates and their habitats in West Africa through a ‘One Plan Approach’ to species conservation. The organization focuses on the Critically Endangered Miss Waldron’s red colobus (Piliocolobus waldroni), white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus), Roloway monkey (Cercopithecus roloway), and the Endangered white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus). Through reserved breeding, research, community engagement, and conservation education, WAPCA works to safeguard biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
In line with primate conservation initiatives, WAPCA successfully celebrated Mangabey Awareness Day (MAD 2025) on August 1st, 2025, at the Accra Zoo under the auspices of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission, with over 200 participants, including conservation practitioners, private sector partners, sports organisations, government stakeholders, representatives from the Spanish and Netherlands embassies, the European Union, and university students representing the younger generation. The MAD 2025 was held under the theme “Sustainable Consumption for Primate Conservation: Connecting Everyday Choices with Biodiversity Protection” and the day was dedicated to highlighting the vital connection between human lifestyles and the survival of the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus). The celebration of MAD 2025 was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and the unwavering dedication of conservation allies who recognize that the future of primate species and forest ecosystems is deeply interlinked with the choices we make every day, from the products we buy to the policies we support.
Partners and participants, whose presence and sponsorship highlighted the growing role of collaboration and partnership in championing environmental awareness included; Decathlon, Print Lounge, Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, the Spanish Embassy, Heidelberg Zoo A Rocha Ghana, Challenges Ghana, University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), University of Ghana, HELP Foundation Africa, Hen Mpoano, KASA Ghana, Wildlife Division, Cape Three Points – Princess Town CREMA, Ankasa-Tano CREMA, Amokwaw CREMA, Noé, and Ridge City Football Club.
Special appreciation also goes to the following speakers at the MAD 2025:
• Dr. Godfred Bempah, from the Operations Unit of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.
• Mr Foster Poasangma, Exsitu Projects Coordinator of WAPCA.
• Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) and the Chair of the WAPCA Ghana Advisory Board of Directors.
• Mr Paul Addah, the Accra Zoo Manager.
• Mr. Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director at Arocha Ghana.
• Paulina Różycka from Head of sustainable development and infrastructure section from the European Union Delegation in Ghana, reaffirming the EU’s support for biodiversity initiatives in the country.
As biodiversity continues to decline at an alarming rate across West Africa, events like Mangabey Awareness Day and International Primates Day play a vital role in education, mobilisation, and fostering a shared sense of responsibility. They serve as powerful reminders that sustainable consumption is not a passing trend, but a necessity for the future of primates, people, and the planet.
WAPCA’s vision aligns closely with International Primates Day, highlighting that the plight of the white-naped mangabey reflects a much larger global challenge: the protection of all primate species worldwide. As we celebrate International Primates Day, WAPCA and its partners have pledged to expand community outreach in forest-edge communities across the Eastern, Central, and Bono Regions. These efforts aim to raise awareness about primate conservation and reduce threats such as illegal logging, hunting and other activities leading to habitat loss and degradation.
By fostering awareness and encouraging behavioral change, WAPCA and its partners aim to build a future generation committed to conservation and sustainable environmental practices in Ghana. The organization calls for stronger collaboration among communities, researchers, government agencies, and civil society, emphasizing that protecting primates means protecting our shared future.
