Wildlife Conservation Cameroon Project #11196

Empower 23 African Communities to Protect Primates

by Pan African Sanctuary Alliance

Empower 23 African Communities to Protect Primates

Summary

Africa's primates are rapidly disappearing due to the illegal pet trade, bush meat hunting, and habitat destruction. 22 PASA wildlife centers educate thousands of children & families across Africa every year about the value of primates and forests. We empower local residents with training and resources, and help them develop projects that build sustainable incomes to replace destructive habits. Projects include native tree nurseries, women's craft cooperatives, and clean-burning cook-stoves.

$35,000
total goal

$6,546
remaining

152
donors

0
monthly donors

1
fundraiser

10
years

Challenge

Hunting and habitat destruction take a huge toll on Africa's primates. Nearly 40% of all African primates are threatened with extinction. Primates are sold as bush meat, and young animals are sold in the illegal pet trade. These babies are the byproducts of bush meat - too small to eat, after their families are killed they are sold as pets. All gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos are ENDANGERED or CRITICALLY ENDANGERED, and unless human behaviors change they may go extinct in our lifetime.

Solution

PASA engages and empowers local communities to protect wild primates and forests. This project provides materials and empowers 23 sanctuaries to conduct education activities including school programs and the training of locals to work as wildlife monitors or in other conservation oriented jobs. This builds appreciation of wildlife and reduces the perception that primates are food or pets. We help sanctuaries develop and fund sustainable livelihood projects to replace destructive habits.

Long-Term Impact

PASA's sustainable livelihood projects give community residents a viable option to habitat destruction, or hunting and selling wildlife. Our education programs and training empower new conservation leaders in Africa. Knowledge about habitat destruction, bush meat hunting, the illegal pet trade and other environmentally destructive behaviors helps protect Africa's wild primates. Over time, knowledge and awareness of these issues pass on to new communities and generations.