Nigerian Biologist Rachel Ikemeh Wins 2026 Rolex Award for Niger Delta Conservation

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Rachel Ikemeh has been named one of five global winners of the 2026 Rolex Awards. She is the only Nigerian Laureate honoured for her community-led efforts to protect the Niger Delta’s unique ecosystems. Since 2013, Ikemeh’s South-West/Niger Delta Forest Project has safeguarded over 5,800 hectares of mangrove and swamp forests. Her work helped double the numbers of the critically endangered Niger Delta red colobus monkey and improved over 2,500 local livelihoods through education, employment, and alternative enterprises. With support from the Rolex Award, Ikemeh will establish four new community conservation areas, launch a training hub, and create the region’s first marine protected area. She hopes this recognition will inspire more Nigerians—especially young women—to lead conservation efforts in their communities.

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