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Welcome A Rocha Nigeria

Join us in welcoming A Rocha Nigeria to the A Rocha Worldwide Family – a new chapter emerging from the faithful work of Eden Creation Care Initiative.

One of its flagship projects has been caring for the Rennajj Fish Farm for several years. In the heart of Jos, in Plateau State, abandoned ponds and a threatened wetland habitat is now a landscape alive with restoration.

Each morning, as mist rises gently from the water, the protection team walks the boundaries, boots pressing into damp earth, watching for signs of disturbance and ensuring wildlife is undisturbed. As the dry season approaches, careful hands carve firebreaks across the land, tracing protective lines against wildfire. When the rains return, pond outlets are sealed, allowing water to gather and remain, sustaining life long after the clouds have passed.

Nearby, a nursery hums with quiet growth. Thousands of seedlings of cashew and other native species stretch toward the sun, waiting to take root in renewed soil. Over time, hopeful saplings have matured. African baobab and African locust bean trees now stand tall, their fruit a living testimony of resilience.

Invasive eucalyptus trees are gradually replaced with native, life-giving species. Along the edges, Jatropha curcas – a drought resistant, perennial plant – forms a living fence, guarding the sanctuary.

As Eden transitions into A Rocha Nigeria, this flourishing wetland becomes part of a global family – locally rooted, globally connected and thriving with hope.

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Welcome A Rocha DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is known both for its extraordinary biodiversity and for the long shadow cast by conflict. Decades after one of Africa’s most devastating civil wars, over 7 million people remain displaced, and localized struggles over land and resources continue to fracture daily life. The minerals that power much of the modern world are pulled from Congolese soil, and the cost is borne by communities and ecosystems alike.

Into this fragile, vibrant place steps a new member of the A Rocha family: A Rocha DR Congo was founded as TRAFFED in 2003 in Bukavu, South Kivu. For more than 20 years, TRAFFED has quietly and faithfully woven together creation care, community development and Christian discipleship in some of the world’s most challenging contexts.

Their work stretches across eastern Congo’s globally significant landscapes, from community forests on Mount Kabobo to conservation efforts protecting Grauer’s Gorilla Gorilla beringei graueri in the Itombwe region. The team partners with pastors to address deforestation around Kahuzi-Biega National Park, supports women’s eco-entrepreneurship across South Kivu, and advocates for sustainable fisheries near Lake Albert. At the heart of it all is a deep commitment to faith: biblical teaching integrated into conservation, churches equipped as agents of hope, and collaboration across evangelical and ecumenical lines.

One of A Rocha DR Congo’s most inspiring achievements is the Higher Institute of Ecology for Conservation of Nature, home to a pioneering department of environmental theology, forming leaders who see creation care as central to God’s purposes.

In a place marked by long conflict and loss, A Rocha DR Congo reminds us that faithful action is still possible. As Steve Tanner, board chair of A Rocha International writes, ‘This new member of the family represents a huge sign of hope. Even in countries in conflict, where the population goes through extreme difficulties, dangers and uncertainties, there are Christians who chose to stand up and act for creation. A Rocha DR Congo joining the family is a powerful encouragement!’

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Booming Bitterns return

Bitterns prefer to be heard, not seen. Camouflaged in streaked brown plumage, this heron haunts the reedbeds of freshwater or brackish marshes. When it feels threatened, the Bittern freezes and extends its neck towards the sky, a position it can maintain for several hours. It will even sway, mimicking the movement of the wind in the reeds, waiting for the danger to pass. This long neck is also a formidable weapon, tucked into its shoulders as the Bittern moves imperceptibly towards a fish, amphibian or aquatic insect. Once it is close enough, it extends its neck to catch or pierce its prey with its spear-like beak. Due to its stealthy nature, it is difficult to detect a Bittern’s presence by sight, but its deep, rhythmic call can be heard from hundreds of metres away.

For the first time in over 30 years, the booming of the Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris has been heard once again in the marshes of the Les Baux Valley, France. By surveying an area from dusk until dawn during breeding season, the A Rocha France team identified a singing male in the Ilon Regional Nature Reserve on several occasions. Since this species is polygamous, it is likely that there are also several females on the site. The Bittern’s return to the valley is encouraging news, suggesting that the water levels and environments are favorable to its nesting.

In Aotearoa / New Zealand, the Karioi Project is a collaborative community restoration initiative supported by A Rocha Aotearoa / New Zealand, contributing to the Matuku-hūrepo Muster: a national initiative to monitor and protect the Australasian Bittern / Matuku-hūrepo Botaurus poiciloptilus. Local wetland surveys and community hui (gatherings) are helping build a clearer picture of where these elusive birds are breeding, the habitats on which they rely and how better to support their survival. This work also raises awareness of the value of healthy wetlands for people and wider biodiversity around Whāingaroa and beyond. In 2024 and 2025, 14 sites were monitored by listening, with five Bitterns recorded booming across four sites.

Listen to the striking call of these delightful creatures below. Through strategic conservation work, we hope to have wetlands resound with Bittern booming once again!

Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris recorded by A Rocha France in the Valleé de Baux.