Our work
Ituri Province, especially the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, boasts some of Central Africa’s richest wildlife. For rural communities and Indigenous Peoples, hunting and gathering forest products are crucial to their cultural identity, providing essential protein and income, and supporting overall well-being. However, Ituri’s wildlife is under threat as demand for wild meat increases, driven by an expanding human population due to mining, logging and migration caused by regional insecurity. The SWM Programme is promoting sustainable community management of hunting within the protected area. The goal is to reduce the risk of extinction of protected species while enhancing the long-term well-being of local communities.
Who we work with
The SWM Programme is working with communities from Epulu, Eboyo and Bapukeli villages. Field activities are coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in collaboration with national authorities (Ministère de l’environnement et du développement durable and Institut congolais pour la conservation de la nature).
Output 1: Community rights and governance
A comprehensive review and analysis of 270 legal texts related to wildlife and other environmental sectors was completed. Based on the analysis, which was validated by the government, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development initiated a participatory reform process. A national policy on wildlife is being prepared with support from the SWM Programme. At the local level, community governance groups were identified and revitalised. The groups received training on community-based management of natural resources within the sustainable use zone. Support was also given to develop guidelines (Directives pour l’accès aux ressources naturelles or DARN) for the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, outlining community resource use inside the Reserve.
Output 2: Adaptive wildlife management
Two natural resources governance groups, and two hunting committees have been established. The committee's advise on hunting rules for inclusion in a natural resources management plan. Each sustainable use zone within the Reserve will have its own management plan with a community-based hunting monitoring system. The Natural Resources Management Plan for Eboyo and Bapukeli is under development, supported by innovative social learning sessions tools such as games and videos. Wildlife in the Reserve is also being monitored using camera traps to estimate wildlife abundance.
Output 3: Healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption
The project has conducted studies to better understand animal protein consumption, which will guide strategies for sustainable wild meat consumption in the Reserve. The Programme, in collaboration with the Epulu Agricultural and Educational Technical Institute (ITAP), has also improved the availability of alternative animal proteins through community poultry training and distribution of materials. A pilot farm is exploring the feasibility of palm larvae production. Additionally, 312 village representatives received entrepreneurship training and grants, leading to 104 microenterprises. Alternative economic activities for Indigenous People are being explored.
Output 4: Zoonotic risk prevention and management
An initial assessment of the public health risks posed by subsistence hunting practices and wildlife consumption will be carried out with the support of specialist consultants. This study will focus on the risks associated with wild meat trade and will contribute to the establishment of a zoonotic risk monitoring system in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, as part of the national zoonotic risk reduction strategy. Synergies will be sought with other DRC protected areas and sites with similar objectives, such as Yangambi.Supported by
Consortium partners
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