Okapi Conservation Project’s 2016 Highlights and Accomplishments
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Epulu Student Points Out Okapi
Joint patrols of Congolese Army soldiers and Institute in the Congo for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) rangers supported by OCP and partner organizations closed over 50 gold mines and escorted thousands of miners out of the Reserve which had the extra benefit of reducing the demand for bush meat hunting to feed the miners in the Reserve.
- Over 500 patrols were conducted by ICCN rangers covering 15,000 kilometers in the Reserve, removing over 2,156 snares, arresting 113 poachers and evacuating illegal miners. The rangers destroyed 70 poaching and mining camps and confiscated equipment and contraband.
- Women’s focus groups that involved 155 women participants were held around the Reserve. They brought forth needs for their communities which included access to clean, fresh water and sustainable firewood options. OCP will address these issues in 2017.
- 24,149 tree seedlings were distributed to farmers as part our agroforestry program to increase their crop yields and lessen their incursions into critical okapi habitat. Rainforest tree seedlings were distributed to school students to plant in abandoned fields and around their schools in exchange for soccer balls and uniforms.
- Established 11 new seed beds of various vegetables in Epulu and Mambasa nurseries. To read more, click here.
