Improving and sustaining the capacity of wildlife guards to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DR Congo

This grant provides support for protected area operations at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This protected area, a World Heritage Site, has suffered from regional instability and poaching incursions by armed entities.

Previous support has allowed the improvement of infrastructure for ranger staff and expansion of patrol intensity and coverage.

Specific activities will include operational support for wildlife guards from the national wildlife authority (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) and the provision of two new satellite phones to improve connectivity and communication.