A 35,000 ha wildlife reserve
The Grand Maka Yop Conservation Project is a 35,000 ha wildlife reserve designed to help local communities restore and protect Senegal’s elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo populations (collectively known as the “Big 5”), amongst numerous other species.
- Country
- Senegal
- Area
- Maka Yop Village Community of Kaffrine, Central Senegal
- Size
- 35,000 ha wildlife reserve
- Type
- ARR removal credits, focused on native species
- Certification
- Ecosystem Restoration Standard, with independent carbon quantification and DMRV
Making the Red Lion roar once more
As in the Senegalese national anthem, the Grand Maka Yop Conservation Project aims to make the Red Lion roar once more.
West Africa needs well-managed, accessible conservation spaces that protect regional subpopulations of Critically Endangered large mammals, such as West African Lions, Giraffes and Western Derby Elands.
Restoration with native species, community-driven interventions, job creation, improved water access, agroforestry, a ranger school, funding research for protected species and scholarships for local students ensure a top-quality project.
Planting economic empowerment alongside every tree
Turning degraded lands into thriving ecosystems
Delivering life-changing water access points
Partners and livelihoods
Local reforestation partners
A women-led movement is transforming Senegal’s central forests. Lion Rouge works with the Association des Femmes Forestières (Kaffrine female foresters group) to:
- Support female-led community work.
- Ensure every sapling is well adapted and locally suitable.
- Provide local community expertise.
Livelihood support
Lion Rouge supports local households to thrive by:
- Directly sharing 100% of net income with communities, with villages empowered to make spending decisions directly.
- Supporting local health centres and schools.
- Agroforestry interventions that help diversify household income streams.
The project in Kaffrine
Help build a more resilient future for nature and communities
Your contribution helps support ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and community-driven climate action in Senegal.
By supporting this initiative, you contribute directly to:
- Reforestation and ecosystem restoration
- Biodiversity conservation and wildlife protection
- Community development and livelihood opportunities
- Environmental education and awareness
- The long-term development of ecotourism in Senegal
Lion Rouge is committed to ensuring that contributions support tangible conservation and community outcomes. Regular project updates and impact stories are shared through our social media.
Support the project
