The workshop on conflict management organized by the network of protected areas in Central Africa (ACPC), the International Cooperation Centre in Agronomic Research for Development
(CIRAD) human-wildlife, in partnership with the united nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Commission of Central African forests (COMIFAC) aims to develop a sub-regional strategy for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in Central Africa.
The human-wildlife conflict in the sub-region are food insecure factor that contributes to the impoverishment of vulnerable rural populations. They threaten the safety and well -being of these populations, but also the lives of animals through the activity of poachers.
Find a balance between wildlife and local development Some animals such as elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees because of human activities are no longer forest resources which are their main food.
“This situation is the cause of the migration of these species to planting food crops that devastating and affecting food security and well-being of rural populations,” lamented the Gabonese Minister of the forest.
In view of the negative socio-economic impacts arising from the situation described, we need to find appropriate solutions to reconcile the objectives of sustainable wildlife management and those of improving the living conditions of populations.
Experts from the subregion on the matter will be referred to during the workshop to make a diagnosis, to share their experiences, for the establishment of a sub-regional strategy for managing these conflicts. They should follow the example of Southern Africa.
Focal points will be selected and trained during the workshop, to conduct tests at the Central African pilot sites.
Gabon has already developed its own strategy for managing human-wildlife conflicts with the support of FAO. This was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 4 October 2012 .