Chimpanzees are human's closest relatives- a flagship species for the rainforest. Protecting chimpanzees and their habitat will indirectly benefit many other species existing in the forest. WCF aims to reduce bushmeat consumption, potentially fatal to humans. In order to stop the sale of chimpanzee bushmeat, a constant presence of ecoguards is needed. Chimpanzees are illegally poached, driving them to extinction. So let's tackle this problem at the root and support the guardians of the forest
The Tai Sapo forest complex is the largest remaining forest block in West Africa with its chimpanzee population on the edge of extinction through illegal poaching. Countries such as Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia are unable to sufficiently fund the protection of the forests, which means there are only few guards attempting to cover a vast amount of space. Animals and humans will profit of the increased habitat protection.
Forest guards patrol the forests under legal order, search for poachers and their signs (camps, snares, gun cartridges etc.) as well as other types of human encroachment (illegal mining and logging). They remove animal traps, demolish poaching camps and apprehend poachers. The WCF supports the presence of guards, establishes micro projects for alternative proteins and educational activities for the human populations.
The increased surveillance and permanent presence of forest guards will not simply maintain the biodiversity already present, but allow for species repopulation in the Tai Sapo forest complex, many of which are endangered. 2000 chimpanzees might be saved and even increased, same for other fauna. The concerned villages (more than 40) will profit of micro projects, educational activities and employments.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
