Wildlife Management
In the logging concessions of northern Congo, local people still depend on wild meat as their principal source or protein. WCS therefore helps local communities to manage wildlife so that they can exploit these resources now and in the future.
Multiple strategies are employed to manage wildlife. Enforcement of wildlife laws prevents poaching of endangered and protected species, as well as commercial hunting, while zoning plans define where people can hunt, and who is allowed to hunt there. Within logging concessions, hunting zones have been set aside for particular villages, while additional hunting areas can be used by both logging company employees and local people. There are also areas where people have to use traditional hunting methods, such as crossbows and nets.
These traditional hunting techniques can be employed at all times of the year and in all hunting zones, which means that semi-nomadic forest people like the Mbendzele and Ngombé can support themselves through hunting and gathering throughout the year. Modern hunting techniques can only be used during the hunting season, which runs from May to October.
Another essential element of wildlife management is engaging local communities in decision-making. Restricted access systems are often implemented without the participation of local communities; PROGEPP associates local communities at all levels of the decision-making process, and is now working to incorporate them into the active management of their natural resources.