Rural communities around Ouesso depend on wild meat and fish for their food security, cultural identity and livelihoods. Population growth due to logging activities and expanding road networks is increasing demand for wild meat. The SWM Programme in Congo is pioneering a participatory wildlife management model that secures and strengthens the rights of Indigenous Peoples and rural communities living in forest concessions. The aim is to bolster food and nutritional security, as well as overall health and subsistence, while conserving biodiversity and its services. To achieve this, our efforts focus on improving the management of hunting and fishing in forest concessions by reinforcing community rights, while also developing alternative sources of animal protein in urban centers and logging camps
The SWM Programme in Congo is working with 3 200 people in Kabo, Leme and surrounding areas; 17 000 people in Pokola; and 30 000 in Ouesso. Field activities are coordinated by WCS in collaboration with the Congolese Government.
Output 1: Community rights and governance
A comprehensive review of 452 legal texts related to wildlife and other sectors was completed. The legal analysis was finalized during national and regional workshops and further validated at a workshop attended by nine ministries before being published on the Legal Hub. Comments and proposals were submitted to the national Ministry of Forests (MEF) to improve the draft Wildlife and Protected Areas Bill.
Output 2: Adaptive wildlife management
Two hunting and two fisheries governance groups have been formed, which operate as non-profit associations. The Kabo-Gbagbali hunting association includes 94 hunters and 100 fishermen, while the Leme-Boundzélé group comprises 28 hunters and 56 fishermen. The Programme has also supported 207 community micro-enterprises that provide alternative sources of income for people involved in the wild meat value chain. The enterprises include poultry farming, agriculture and bakeries. Communities actively participated in business and savings management training. An innovative hunting game is being used to promote discussion among groups of hunters about the likely impact of hunting on wildlife and issues around the concept of sustainability.
Output 3: Healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption
In the urban areas of northern Congo (Ouesso and Pokola) research involving 150 participants, including 80 indigenous individuals, informed a behaviour change campaign to reduce wild meat consumption and encourage domestic farmed meat. The campaign is underway. Additionally, in four villages, around 80 small ruminant breeders have been trained and a private veterinary service is being established. Awareness and training sessions included a poultry farming card game promoting healthy, sustainable chains practices. In addition, a comprehensive study on wild meat consumption in Brazzaville was completed, informing a behaviour change campaign to reduce zoonotic risks.
Output 4: Zoonotic risk prevention and management
Research detected pathogen exposure among individuals involved in the bat trade and consumption.
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