APPACOL – PRN – JACK Primate Sanctuary

In Memoriam: HERITIER MPO

A true HERO who was fighting against Illegal Wildlife Trafficking in the DRC.

The Congolese NGO APPACOL-PRN of Héritier MPO is doing excellent work in favor of nature and wildlife conservation in Lodja, DRC.

Héritier and his entire team are raising awareness against the massive slaughter of wild species to fuel the bushmeat trade as well as the illegal trade of these species.

They provide the population with alternatives to poaching (market gardening, pig farming, etc.) and guide people in these new areas with a view to reducing the untimely hunting of protected and endangered wildlife and the destruction of forest.

Fighting illegal wildlife trafficking

Illegal wildlife trafficking poses a grave threat to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the Congo, one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth.

The vast expanse of the Congo Basin harbors an incredible array of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as great apes, elephants, and pangolins.

However, rampant poaching and trafficking activities driven by international demand for exotic pets, ivory, and traditional medicines continue to decimate these populations.

Despite efforts by local authorities and conservation organizations to combat this illicit trade, the vast and remote nature of the Congo’s forests often facilitates the movement of traffickers, making enforcement a significant challenge.

The consequences of illegal wildlife trafficking extend beyond ecological damage, impacting local communities and economies in the Congo.

Poaching not only threatens iconic species but also undermines the livelihoods of indigenous peoples who depend on the forest for sustenance and cultural practices.

Additionally, the influx of illicit funds from wildlife trafficking perpetuates corruption and undermines governance structures, further exacerbating social and political instability in the region.

Addressing illegal wildlife trafficking in the Congo necessitates a comprehensive strategy that tackles both the supply and demand sides of the issue.

Strengthening the country’s law enforcement efforts through increased patrols, better-equipped ranger teams, and harsher penalties for poachers and traffickers is crucial for deterring illicit activities. Additionally, enhancing community involvement and providing alternative livelihoods for those dependent on the forest can reduce local incentives for engaging in wildlife crime.

Strong collaboration with international partners to disrupt trafficking networks, curb demand for wildlife products, and firmly support conservation initiatives is also vital. Moreover, raising awareness among consumers about the consequences of purchasing illegal wildlife products and promoting sustainable alternatives can help reduce demand and protect vulnerable species in the Congo and beyond.

JACK & APPACOL

A powerful Partnership

APPACOL founder Héritier Mpo and his team work to identify poachers and traffickers of endangered species in the Sankuru region. The authorities confiscate the species of primates and sometimes people hand the animal(s) over to Héritier.

This is how the NGO J.A.C.K. heard about Héritier’s incredible work in Lodja, a place in the middle of the forest where there are still endemic species in danger of extinction such as the amazing golden-bellied mangabey (Chlorocebus chrysogaster) and the lesula monkey (Cercopithecus lomamiensis).

A partnership has recently been set up between JACK Sanctuary and APPACOL-PRN in order to save these orphaned primates abused and victimized by man.

Since 2022, APPACOL-PRN and JACK Sanctuary have partnered for the rescue of more than 100 primates. This critical partnership is growing strategically where now the two organizations are working together to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and raise awareness against the bushmeat trade and illegal wildlife trafficking.

The vision of these two incredible individuals is to ultimately stop the illegal wildlife trade in the Sankuru region and beyond.

Fighting the fight against wildlife trafficking

A pivotal moment occurred in January 2024 when representatives from JACK Sanctuary (Lubumbashi, DRC) and Friends of JACK Primate Sanctuary (California, USA) embarked on a visit to APPACOL-PRN to assess the situation firsthand. Franck Chantereau and Linda Lanzl witnessed the devastating effects of the bushmeat trade on local wildlife populations, as well as its socio-economic implications for surrounding communities, the team have committed to support the work of local NGO APPACOL-PRN to devise comprehensive programs aimed at raising awareness and fostering sustainable alternatives.

Through collaborative efforts with local stakeholders and authorities, they are determined to implement effective strategies to combat the illegal wildlife trade, protect endangered species, and empower communities to embrace conservation practices for a brighter, more sustainable future in the Sankuru region of the DRC.