On February 8, 2019, Dr. Ehi-Ebewele Elizabeth, Deputy Director, Head of the Wildlife and CITES Management Division of the Federal Department of Forestry of the Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria, passed away unexpectedly.
Elizabeth was a fierce defender of wildlife in her country and in the West Africa subregion as a whole. She used her strength and her fighting spirit to win important battles for wildlife, including by taking a leadership role in advocating for the listing of African pangolins in CITES Appendix I, the adoption of CITES measures to strengthen the conservation of African lions, and the development of subregional coordination on wildlife law enforcement. Her passion for wildlife, her love for Nigeria, and her desire to make a positive impact for the conservation of its animals and plants shone as beacons in the fight we all lead for conservation.
Elizabeth was a friend to Born Free and worked in close collaboration with us through multiple initiatives. She welcomed our wildlife law enforcement experts in country and oversaw the development and validation of priority recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle wildlife crime. She hosted and facilitated regional meetings on the development of West Africa coordination on combating wildlife crime and became one of the wildlife law enforcement champions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by co-chairing the West Africa Strategy on Combating Wildlife Crime Steering Committee designated by West African countries to coordinate the development of a West Africa Strategy on Combating Wildlife Crime.
Her legacy stands to be remembered. When hearing Elizabeth speak, one felt inspired, strong, dedicated and passionate for wildlife. Her passion, her commitment, her energy were an inspiration in my work in many ways. Wildlife does not stand a chance without its conservation heroes and she was one of mine. Born Free USA as an organization will continue fighting her battle each and every day and, by this tribute, we give her our thanks for being the voice that makes our fight worthwhile.
Rest in peace, Elizabeth. Your legacy is strong and will continue to speak for itself. We are honored to have had the chance to take a few steps alongside you and we will continue fighting your daily fight.
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Alice
