AICA’s Regional Consultative Meeting on Indigenous and local community conservation Leadership in Central Africa has officially commenced alongside the concurrent Great Apes conservation meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with powerful traditional blessings and inspiring keynote addresses that underscore the urgent need to protect biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Chief Amara opened the event with blessings, setting a strong cultural tone for this vital gathering of Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities (IPLCs), partners, and conservation leaders. Mr. Edward Bundu, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the escalating threats from poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat encroachment affecting iconic species like the Western chimpanzees. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with communities and Networks like AICA to strengthen sustainable forest and wildlife management. Sophie Collier, Conservation Manager at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, urged immediate action to save Sierra Leone’s national animal—the critically endangered Western chimpanzee. Despite decades of rescue efforts, chimpanzee habitats continue to shrink alarmingly, risking the survival of even the youngest generation. Sophie called on all stakeholders to move beyond words and take collective, urgent action. Representing IUCN West Africa and Central Africa– PACO, Mr. Achare Felicien Nyenty delivered a message of solidarity on behalf of the Regional Director, praising the meeting as a platform to strengthen IPLC voices in conservation and align priorities ahead of the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress. He highlighted successful community-led conservation projects across Africa and stressed that protecting wildlife goes hand in hand with safeguarding culture, strengthening local institutions, and fostering regional cooperation. This dynamic meeting over the next three days will focus on building regional advocacy, sharing best practices, and launching Sierra Leone’s national AICA network to amplify community leadership in conservation. Together, the voices and actions emerging from this historic gathering will advance a shared vision: conservation rooted in Indigenous leadership, cultural heritage, and ecological integrity, for the benefit of both people and nature. Stay connected as AICA champions Indigenous and local community leadership and biodiversity protection across Great Apes projects, Central Africa and beyond!