Fighting illegal wildlife trade in Liberia, Fauna & Flora International Africa programme

2018
Written By Peter Winn-Brown

Fauna & Flora International began work in Liberia in 1997 to re-establish operations in Sapo National Park after years of civil conflict. Liberia is home to large areas of tropical forest, rich in endemic and rare species including elephants, chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, Diana monkeys and pangolin. Rising insecurity from conflict and the Ebola crisis in 2014 has increased pressure on natural resources from poverty-stricken communities. Alongside widespread hunting for bushmeat consumption, illegal wildlife trafficking of live animals and their by-products is thriving through land, sea and air, putting multiple species at risk of rapid extinction regionally. With the support of the A. G. Leventis Foundation, this project improves responses to illegal wildlife trade through law enforcement (ranger training, review of wildlife laws including CITES, establishment of a wildlife confiscation unit) and increases community action with a greater awareness of laws and alternative sustainable livelihood options. Training has already resulted in species confiscations and prosecution of perpetrators by the Liberia Forestry Development Authority, helping to fight poaching, which places Liberia’s natural heritage at risk.

Grants given:

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Peter Winn-Brown
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Study and conservation of the Balkan chamois in Greece, Balkan Chamois Society