Stretching across Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda, the Greater Virunga Landscape is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. It is home to some of the world’s rarest species of plants and animals. But poaching and trafficking are threatening the park’s wildlife. Populations of hippos, elephants, monkeys, and pangolins are plummeting as poachers catch these animals and sell them for their parts. Limited resources and political insecurity make it even more difficult for law enforcement officers to protect wildlife. 

Together with IFAW and ACEDH, we are strengthening capacity to stop the poaching and trafficking of protected wildlife between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

  • We provided training to law enforcement officers on the ground who can act as the first line of defense against poachers.
  • We support and monitor cases brought to justice and we ensure the smooth running of these cases in compliance with international rights and laws established by the DRC.
  • In Uganda, IFAW set-up a team of intelligent officers and wildlife crime analysts who can review data and collaborate with governmental agencies thanks to the addition of camera traps and new patrol equipment.
  • We provided training to law enforcement officers on the ground who can act as the first line of defense against poachers.
  • We support and monitor cases brought to justice and we ensure the smooth running of these cases in compliance with international rights and laws established by the DRC.
  • In Uganda, IFAW set-up a team of intelligent officers and wildlife crime analysts who can review data and collaborate with governmental agencies thanks to the addition of camera traps and new patrol equipment.

Strengthening community participation across borders

Community members also play a critical role in the protection of local wildlife. We engaged 20 community wildlife monitors who help us gather information that we share with relevant authorities that may lead to arrests of poachers and the confiscation of deadly traps.

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