His position as a traditional chief inspires respect, but it is His Majesty Oumarou Iloutchoka’s passion for conservation that makes him such a powerful biodiversity ambassador.
Being a traditional chief carries both honour and duty. For His Majesty Oumarou Iloutchoka of Alfakoara, in the commune of Kandi in Benin, these responsibilities are woven into his family’s history. He was just 15 when W-Benin National Park was demarcated in 1954. His grandfather, the traditional chief at the time, instilled in him a deep respect for the landscapes and wildlife that have shaped the identity of his people for generations. Today, that legacy endures as His Majesty stands as one of the region’s strongest ambassadors for biodiversity.
Over the course of his lifetime, His Majesty has witnessed profound changes in the land he oversees. Forests have thinned, wildlife has faced increasing pressure, and the demands on natural resources have grown. With each passing year, he has become more resolute in his conviction that the ecosystems that have sustained generations could no longer endure without care and protection.
Drawing on his respected position among local leaders, he has become an influential advocate for safeguarding the park’s resources, while ensuring that his community’s rights to sustainably use them remain respected. His voice has been essential in strengthening the relationship between communities and W-Benin National Park.
The ideal ambassador
In 2020, African Parks was mandated to manage W-Benin National Park, and His Majesty serves on the park’s local monitoring committee. His guidance has been invaluable to progress, bringing community perspectives into conservation decisions.
His Majesty Oumarou Iloutchoka is admired not only for his title, but for the integrity and calm authority he brings to every interaction. As a National Parks Ambassador, this influence is amplified. He uses his platform to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and to raise awareness about the value of the natural world.
For years, people have turned to him to settle disputes, uphold customs, and guide the community through change. Today, they also rely on him to defend their natural heritage and ensure access to the resources that support their livelihoods.
Conserving resources
W-Benin National Park operates a permit system that allows communities to collect resources in ways that ensure long-term sustainability. His Majesty has long championed this approach, recognising that responsible use is essential if the land is to continue sustaining local families.
His commitment to biodiversity is also deeply personal. The lessons passed down from his grandfather continue through his own family. Two of his children serve as rangers in W-Benin National Park, protecting the very landscapes that shaped their father and ancestors.
Throughout his life, His Majesty Oumarou Iloutchoka has embodied the principle that leadership must serve both people and the land. His generational wisdom, steady advocacy, and unyielding dedication make him an invaluable ambassador for W-Benin, ensuring that the park and the communities that depend on it thrive long into the future.
Striving for equilibrium
For His Majesty, maintaining balance has always been central to his role. Extending that principle to fostering coexistence between people and wildlife was a natural progression.
His vision for WBenin reaches far beyond the preservation of its ecological richness. He sees the park as a catalyst for sustainable development; a shared asset that belongs not to one generation, but to all future Beninois.
“In the north here, we don’t have the sea,” he says. “But we do have the park, which is our wealth.”
Yet he is clear-eyed about the fragility of this wealth.
“We cannot leave the park at the mercy of everyone and without control,” he explains. “Otherwise, we risk destroying it in a short time.”
26 January 2026