Pole Pole Foundation / Kahuzi-Biega National Park - Democratic Republic of the Congo
Summary
Based in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNBK), the Pole Pole Foundation works closely with local communities to offer a program called Poachers to Artisans, environmental education, reintegration of displaced indigenous families, reforestation efforts, and protection of local gorilla populations. The initiative has resulted in reduced conflict between PNBK managers and the neighbouring population..
Objective
The two main goals of the Pole Pole foundation are the conservation of gorillas and their habitat and the attainment of food security in local communities.
Pole Pole works to improve the living conditions of the pygmies with activities like pottery, leather tanning, and sewing.
Reforestation and the distribution of seedlings provide raw material for sculptors, firewood and construction materials.
Key Achievements
Biodiversity
- Increased gorilla populations and reduced rates of poaching
- Increase in forest cover and planted trees
- Environmental education programmes
Socio-economic
- Participation of women and indigenous peoples in conservation activities
- Increase of local incomes, leading to improved health access and school attendance
- Since 1992, 47 former poachers (26 men and 21 women) have been retrained as artisans
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