Combat Poaching and Conserving Biodiversity in Congo’s National Park

Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo is the world’s second largest tropical rainforest and is well-known for its biodiversity. However, for years the park has been under-resourced, largely unpatrolled, and plagued by rampant poaching as well as a fatal Ebola epidemic outbreak. In this project, the African Parks Network (APN), will seek to combat poaching and conserve the biodiversity of the park by improving the management of it.

APN will increase their presence in the Eastern sector of the park, grow their ranger team, and support the Law Enforcement function with aerial surveillance flights. In order to ensure a long-term protection of the park, it is also crucial that local people are involved and understand the value of a well-functioning park.

What the project delivers

Recruitment and training of park rangers, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, as well as mentorship of Congolese students in conservation of the park.