Targeting the Removal of Miners and Poachers from Inside the Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Wamba workshop participants

As rangers work to bring the Reserve back under control of ICCN, the next planned action involves the removal of all illegal miners and the shutdown of illegal settlements inside the Reserve. Estimations suggest that up to 70 illegal mining camps, involving thousands of people are operating within the boundaries of the protected area. Most miners are from outside the region and come to the area strictly to be involved is this illegal activity. Additionally, as rangers work to eliminate poaching entirely within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, elephant poaching remains a threat and is a special focus the rangers when on patrol. To read more click here.