Harnessing Giants: Ethical Trade of Goliath Beetles in Community Forests for Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Enhancement

The Upper Guinean forest block of West Africa, encompassing Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Liberia, represents a global biodiversity hotspot renowned for its exceptional levels of endemism and biodiversity (Oates et al. 2004). Within this unique ecosystem, the chief goliath (Goliathus cacicus) emerges as an iconic and ecologically significant species. It is present in Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana (De Palma et al. 2020). Its striking size and vibrant colouration have made it highly sought after in international entomological markets. However, the species faces mounting pressures from habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable harvesting practices, leading to significant population declines (Dendi et al. 2023; Luiselli et al. 2025). These threats highlight the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies that address biodiversity loss while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods (Dendi et al. 2023; Luiselli et al. 2025).

In this letter we investigate the potential for ethical and sustainable utilization of G. cacicus through community forest initiatives. By examining its conservation status and economic potential, it proposes a framework for ethical sourcing practices that align biodiversity conservation objectives with rural income generation. By integrating sustainable trade practices with eco-tourism opportunities, this approach presents a replicable model for conservation practitioners and policymakers.

The ecological and economic significance of G. cacicus is closely tied to its distribution within the Upper Guinean forests. These beetles play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and act as indicators of forest health. However, their populations have experienced alarming declines due to habitat loss driven by deforestation, particularly for cacao plantations, unsustainable harvesting for local collection and international trade, and climate change, which disrupts reproductive cycles and reduces habitat suitability (Dendi et al. 2023; Luiselli et al. 2025). The same threats have also affected the sympatric populations of another goliath beetle, Goliathus regius, which is however presently less rare than G. cacicus (Dendi et al. 2023) but still considered as threatened (Luiselli et al. 2025). These combined threats have prompted recommendations for the inclusion of G. cacicus as Critically Endangered and G. regius as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (Luiselli et al. 2025). Such a designation would prioritize conservation interventions and underscore the beetle's ecological importance.

Despite these challenges, G. cacicus holds considerable economic potential due to its high demand in international markets, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia. Specimens can command prices ranging from $300 to $1500, depending on size and coloration. Ethical trade practices could provide sustainable income for rural communities while mitigating ecological harm. Limiting collection to naturally deceased beetles (in good conditions) and harvesting surplus males, which are less critical to reproductive success and more abundant than females in natural populations (Luiselli et al. 2025), offers a pathway to sustainable utilization that safeguards wild populations.

Ethical trade of G. cacicus also offers higher profit margins compared to many other non-timber forest products, such as bush mango or wild honey. Certification schemes emphasizing ethical sourcing and transparent supply chains can enhance market appeal, ensuring that trade practices align with conservation goals. Community forests play a central role in this approach by serving as critical landscapes for biodiversity conservation and rural development (Fa and Luiselli 2024). Policies governing these forests empower local communities to sustainably manage natural resources while complying with conservation regulations. Sustainable practices, such as avoiding the harvesting of females, protecting host trees, and restricting collection activities to daylight hours, minimize ecological disturbance. Training programs can further equip local communities with essential skills in collection protocols, specimen preservation, and fair-trade practices. Partnerships with non-governmental organizations and academic institutions can support capacity building, ensuring that ethical sourcing aligns with international conservation standards.

Developing certification schemes for ethically sourced specimens can enhance market transparency and build consumer confidence. Blockchain technology provides a robust solution for tracing trade chains, fostering trust, and promoting conservation-linked branding. Additionally, integrating these initiatives with community-based eco-tourism presents an opportunity to diversify income streams. Guided tours showcasing G. cacicus in its natural habitat, along with educational exhibits on its ecological importance, can attract international tourists and bolster local economies.

Lessons from successful models in Costa Rica, Cambodia and Thailand demonstrate the viability of linking entomological species to tourism (Walter and Reimer 2012; Ilhamdi et al. 2024). Adapting these approaches to the rich biodiversity of West Africa, with G. cacicus as a flagship species, can foster awareness of conservation issues, promote equitable benefit-sharing, and strengthen community stewardship of biodiversity resources.

Despite its promise, the model faces several barriers. Limited awareness among communities about ethical sourcing practices and market opportunities, challenges in accessing international buyers, and weak enforcement of biodiversity laws undermine conservation efforts. However, these barriers also present opportunities. The model can be adapted for other threatened beetle species, such as G. regius and G. goliatus, which face similar pressures. Partnerships among researchers, conservation NGOs, and private-sector actors can further enhance scalability. Innovations in digital certification tools can streamline processes, ensuring traceability, and fostering consumer trust.

This study underscores the potential of ethical trade in G. cacicus as a replicable model for biodiversity conservation and rural livelihood improvement. Key recommendations include strengthening policy frameworks that empower community forest management, establishing certification schemes to ensure ethical sourcing, and promoting community-based eco-tourism initiatives. Building partnerships and adapting successful models to other regions and species will be crucial for scaling up these efforts. By aligning conservation objectives with market opportunities, this approach offers a pragmatic solution to preserving biodiversity while alleviating rural poverty. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term ecological and socio-economic impacts of these interventions to refine and expand their implementation.

L.L. and J.E.F. designed the idea and wrote the text. They contributed equally.