Towards preserving Nigerian rivers, the Foundation for the Conservation of Nigerian Rivers (FCNR) and other co-organizers, the Earth Law Center USA – Africa Program, are set to flag-off Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls Restoration.
It is scheduled to take place on the 25th of October, 2025 by 11am by Tank 2. Shehu Gusau Crescent off Jubril Aminu Cresent, Katampe Extension off Kubwa Express Way Abuja.
The event is themed: “Where Rivers Are Born Initiative – Save Katampeq Mountain and Waterfalls”
This way disclosed at a Pre- Flag- off Press briefing by Irikefe V. Dafe, Executive Director, FCNR and Africa lead Earth Law Center USA.
He said "On behalf of the Foundation for the Conservation of Nigerian Rivers (FCNR) and our co-organizers, the Earth Law Center USA – Africa Program, I am deeply honored to welcome you all to the press briefing leading to this historic occasion — the flag-off of the Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls Restoration, Legal Personhood, and National Park Designation Campaign, under the inspiring theme:“Where Rivers Are Born Initiative – Save Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls.”
He said that Katampe Mountain, often described as the geographical heart of Nigeria, is more than a landmark.
"It is a living, breathing ecosystem — a sacred space where life-giving waters are born.
"Its waterfalls, natural springs, and lush vegetation have nourished communities, sustained biodiversity, and inspired generations."
Despite its advantages, he said that the sacred landscape has faced increasing threats in recent years from unregulated development and deforestation to pollution and neglect.
"The once-pristine waters that cascade from its slopes are dwindling, and the forests that shelter wildlife are retreating.
"Today, we gather not only to speak for Katampe Mountain and its waterfalls but to speak as their voice — to reaffirm our shared responsibility to restore, protect, and legally recognize this vital ecosystem as part of Nigeria’s natural heritage." he stated
According to him, the purpose of the Campaign has three interconnected goals.
He listed them to include "1. Restoration: To heal and rehabilitate the degraded landscapes of Katampe Mountain through reforestation, erosion control, pollution cleanup, and watershed protection.
"2. Legal Personhood: To advance the recognition of Katampe Mountain and its waterfalls as a living entity with legal rights — rights to exist, to thrive, and to be protected under the law.
"3. National Park Designation: To advocate for Katampe’s formal recognition as a National Park, ensuring its protection for future generations, while promoting sustainable eco-tourism, research, and community stewardship."
Speaking further on the theme “Where Rivers Are Born”, he said it is both symbolic and literal.
"It reminds us that Katampe Mountain is a source — not just of water, but of life, beauty, culture, and spiritual renewal.
Rivers begin here.
"Communities depend here.
And from here, flows the promise of a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria.
"This initiative therefore stands as a clarion call: to return to the source, to honor where life begins, and to build a new ethic of coexistence between humanity and nature." he added.
On its Global and Local Significance, he said "Around the world, nations are embracing the concept of Legal Personhood for Nature — recognizing that rivers, forests, and mountains are not property, but partners in the web of life.
"From the Whanganui River in New Zealand to the Ganges in India, and from Colombia’s Atrato River to Uganda’s environmental law framework, ecosystems are gaining legal standing to defend themselves in courts of law.
"Nigeria must not be left behind.
By recognizing Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls as legal entities with rights — and advocating for their National Park status — we join a progressive global movement that places ecological justice at the heart of sustainable development."
This approach, he said, also aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — especially Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
He also explained that the campaign is a product of partnership — between the Foundation for the Conservation of Nigerian Rivers, the Earth Law Center USA – Africa Program, and a growing network of government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, local communities and others.
"We are particularly grateful for the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and the National Park Service, whose leadership will be crucial in achieving the vision of a protected Katampe National Park.
"Our partners — including community networks — are demonstrating that when we act together, we can transform advocacy into impact."
Stressing that the flag-off is not an end, but a beginning, he said that it marks the birth of a movement for the rights of nature in Nigeria, starting at the heart of the nation.:
He called on the government authorities to support the National Park designation process, adding "Lawmakers to champion legal frameworks that give voice to rivers, mountains, and forests.
"Communities and traditional leaders to protect and honor the mountain as a shared ancestral trust.
"Youth, artists, and scientists to bring innovation and creativity to environmental protection.
"And every Nigerian to become a guardian of Katampe — because when we save the mountain, we save ourselves."
According to him, they envision a future where Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls are restored to their natural glory — where clear waters flow freely, birds return to the trees, and children grow up knowing that nature has rights just as we do.
"A future where the geographical heart of Nigeria also beats as the ecological heart of our nation.
"As we plant trees today, we plant hope.
As we clean the waterfalls, we cleanse our conscience.
"As we declare the rights of nature, we declare a new covenant with the Earth. And we unveil this campaign today, we unveil new hope.
"Let this day mark the rebirth of Katampe —
Where Rivers Are Born, Where Nature Speaks, and Where Nigeria Leads." he concluded