The SWM project in Congo
REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
© WCS SWM PROJECT
The rural communities living around Ouesso would be the most affected by a significant decline in wildlife populations. They rely on wild meat and fish for their food security, cultural identity and livelihoods. However, population growth and logging activities in the Ouesso region, coupled with the expansion of the road network, are fueling a growing demand for wild meat.
To address this challenge, the SWM Programme aims to improve the management of hunting and fishing in forest concessions, whilst also developing alternative sources of animal protein in urban centres and logging camps. The aim is to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and the well-being of rural populations in the Ouesso region, and more broadly in Congo. The SWM project in Congo is coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in collaboration with the Congolese Government.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
- Held five participatory meetings in four communities to update hunting zone maps;
- Analysed value chain and socio-economic data;
- Trained project teams in value chain analysis, data collection on fish and hunted ungulate species and in the use of camera traps for wildlife monitoring;
- Conducted studies on the household consumption of meat from wild animals, fish, poultry and other domestic fowl;
- Prepared a feasibility assessment on how to boost domestic meat production.
NATIONAL PARTNERS
