USAID Conserve’s Post

Recent studies have shown that overhunting for food is now threatening hundreds of wildlife species with extinction. To address this challenge, The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme was created as a major international initiative that aims to improve wildlife conservation and food security. This year, the programme launched a second phase with an expanded reach across five additional countries – among them Cameroon. There, the programme will develop and test interconnected pilot models for the organization and governance of hunting and the game trade, integrated into a broader approach to local, sustainable, and inclusive development. The research will take place in 10 Baka villages and 10 Bantu villages in the district of Mintom, in the south-eastern peripheral zone of the Dja Faunal Reserve, which sits within a key conservation landscape, Grand Tridom-Tri-National de la Sangha. Informed by this research, the programme will propose improvements to the institutional arrangements, systems, and tools for the participatory management and exploitation of land and natural resources in Cameroon – and for their implementation. Read more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/4advTgF #SWMProgramme #TreesPeoplePlanet

On #WorldElephantDay, we reflect on the significance of these majestic creatures and their vital role in our #ecosystems. In April 2016, Kenya's then-President Uhuru Kenyatta made a bold statement against #elephantpoaching by burning over 100 tons of ivory tusks—a powerful act symbolizing the nation's #commitment to #protecting these incredible animals. It is our responsibility to support efforts such as those by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and African Wildlife Foundation in preserving elephant species and safeguarding their homes and ecosystems. Elephants are keystone species, shaping their environment in ways that benefit countless other species. By #protecting elephants, we safeguard #biodiversity and promote a balanced, thriving ecosystem. Let's continue to honor and protect these gentle giants for future generations and continue raising awareness to communities in Kenya that face #wildlifehumanconflict on the importance of preserving these majestic creatures. #WorldElephantDay #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #Biodiversity

This calf captivated me today. Watching it eat peacefully reminded me of human-wildlife conflicts facing some communities in Africa. HWC is among the most pressing issues in wildlife conservation. Human-wildlife conflicts occur when the needs and behaviors of humans clash with those of wildlife, leading to negative consequences for both. Increased population in communities adjacent to protected areas and habitat destruction have resulted in increased encounters between humans and wildlife, often leading to loss of property, livelihoods, and even cattle and human lives. Efforts to address human-wildlife conflicts have become crucial in order to ensure the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Various strategies have been implemented to mitigate these conflicts, ranging from the creation of buffer zones and wildlife corridors to the development of alternative livelihood options for local communities. These initiatives aim to reduce the dependence of communities on natural resources, thus minimizing the chances of conflicts arising. Additionally, education and awareness programs have been instrumental in fostering understanding and empathy towards wildlife, encouraging people to adopt practices that minimize potential conflicts. By finding innovative and sustainable solutions, we can strive towards a future where humans and wildlife can peacefully coexist, ensuring the conservation of both our natural heritage and the well-being of local communities. #Humanwildlifecoexistence #wildlifeconservation #localcommunity #hwc #sustainabledevelopment

Guy Siguindo: The Story of Chinko Conservation Area! Having recently celebrated the “10 Years of Chinko”, today we wish to share with you the story of Guy Siguindo, who started working with African Parks for the Chinko Conservation Area from the very start. Nowadays, he manages the ECHO teams, over 60 conservation and sensitisation field agents. Originally from Bakouma and a father of 9 children, when Guy first arrived in Chinko in 2014 he felt there was little that could be done: ‘at the time, there were armed people everywhere in the area and they did whatever they wanted. I was very pessimistic and I remember telling [the team] that we weren't going to be able to do this work successfully”. whereas today, he explains that “Chinko must continue to explain to communities how important conservation is for them, just as it was explained to me. People need to understand why we're here and what we want to achieve." He likes to go back to the places where he used to work when things were going badly to see what has been achieved. "I like going back there, it shows me that it was worth it. In the future, I'd like to be able to show my children the work we've done here.” We thank all of Chinko's technical and financial partners who have enabled individuals such as Guy to accomplish remarkable work and change what looked like an impossible situation to a story of hope. Read more about Guy's life story below. #FacesOfConservation #conservation #conservationhero African Parks Network USAID #NaturAfrica U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) #elephantcrisisfund #robwaltonfoundation #lionrecoveryfund #goodenergies

Pangolins' natural defence against predators also makes them vulnerable to the illegal wildlife trade. When threatened, a pangolin will curl into a tight ball, with its tough, overlapping scales acting as armor. These scales are made of keratin, the same material as our nails or hair, which can provide protection even from the bite of a lion. These same scales however are coveted by poachers. That is why in 2023, Pelorus Foundation partnered with Namibian NGO, Pangolin Conservation and Research Foundation, who engage local people to protect the critically endangered pangolin, and are creating one of the first comprehensive conservation-based research databases on the species. PCRF's innovative community conservation approach in the Nyae Nyae Conservancy now collaborates with 18 villages, a number which is steadily growing. This grassroots involvement is vital for the protection of the pangolin and the creation of sustainable conservation strategies. A landmark achievement for PCRF was the inauguration of their Research Camp, an essential component of their "soft release" strategy. This facility addresses the critical post-release monitoring challenges faced by pangolins rescued for the illegal wildlife trade. Donations of infrastructure, time, and money have enabled the employment of indigenous San pangolin rangers, bolstering local livelihood opportunities and fostering community guardianship of pangolins. Additionally, PCRF is pioneering southern African transboundary collaboration to assess and protect pangolin populations across the region. Head over to the link below to lean more about our work with PCRF https://lnkd.in/e6DENgSQ #Pangolin #Conservation #Namibia #Wildlife #Rangers

As the conservation arm of Mandai Wildlife Group, Mandai Nature embraces the comprehensive approach that combines protecting animals in the wild with caring for them in zoos. Together, these efforts are vital for ensuring the survival of wildlife. In a recent news article, our CEO, Dr. Sonja Luz, emphasises the significance of the One Plan Approach to species conservation. This collaborative strategy unites all stakeholders in recognising the need for intervention and outlines the necessary actions from all parties involved. By focusing on efforts such as habitat protection, ongoing monitoring, and research, as well as collaborating with governments, zoos, conservation organisations, and local communities, we can effectively work to reverse population declines and safeguard our planet's precious wildlife. Read the article here (articles are in Mandarin): 👉 Repatriating the Rote snake-necked turtle: https://lnkd.in/gAzqkZBz 👉 Integrating regional conservation efforts in a One Plan Approach: https://lnkd.in/gvw52nvU #OnePlanApproach #conservation

Protection of biodiversity and conservation in Nigeria is taking a promising turn towards environmental sustainability. What are you doing in the protection of biodiversity and mother nature ? #sdgs #hcv Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation #environmentalsustainability #sustainability

The importance of conserving these resources can not be overemphasized as they plays crucial role in ecosystem management. Thanks to Kwande/Ushongo Rep. for this great work.

World Giraffe Day - World Giraffe Day, celebrated annually on June 21st, aims to raise awareness about giraffe conservation and the challenges these majestic animals face, such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The date, being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolises the tallest land mammal. Events organized by zoos, wildlife parks, and conservation groups educate the public and raise funds for conservation projects. Giraffe populations have declined by about 40% over the last three decades, leading to their classification as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with some subspecies critically endangered. To get involved, individuals can support organizations like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), spread awareness through social media, and participate in local or global events. World Giraffe Day emphasises the importance of preserving giraffes and their habitats, encouraging global action to protect these gentle giants. #wildlife #giraffe #WorldGiraffeDay #saveourwildlife #protectourplanet #naturelovers #saveouranimals

In the Chinko Conservation Area, in Eastern Central African Republic, the elephant population 🐘 has been gradually recovering since 2014 when African Parks signed the mandate to manage the area in partnership with the Central African government and the support of its partners. For decades, elephant numbers in Chinko had been drastically depleted. Firstly, by a poaching wave in the 1980s, during which more than 90% of the elephant population was destroyed, and then in a second wave in the early 2010s by armed groups and an increased influx of transhumance and poaching, which caused the local extinction of entire family groups.  Thanks to conservation and development efforts, Chinko has now become one of the last elephant refuges in Eastern Central Africa. To ensure their continued survival, measures are being taken to prevent poaching and raise public awareness of the importance of protecting protected areas. USAID Union européenne en République Centrafricaine Save the Elephants Wildlife Conservation Network Rainforest Trust African Parks Network Good Energies Foundation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) #RobwWalton #elephant #conservation  📷Thierry Aebischer