Further reducing illegal trade of bushmeat and promoting alternative livelihood activities in the lake region of Gabon

The purpose of this project is to conserve protected wildlife in the lake district of Gabon. This project seeks to reduce the illegal bushmeat trade in Lambern, Gabon, by addressing the sale of protected species.

It conserves protected wildlife such as the slender-snouted crocodile, manatee, forest buffalo and giant pangolin by seeking to decrease consumer preference for bushmeat and reduce wildlife trade in Lambern.

Specific activities include: (1) surveys of local markets and restaurants to improve understanding of bushmeat sales and the black market for protected species, particularly the slender-snouted crocodile; (2) environmental education targeted at the next generation of consumers to increase public awareness of protected species and hunting laws (through school programs, citizen science initiatives, outreach with tourism partners, local media, and local authorities); (3) sponsorship of nature clubs, wildlife murals, road cleanup programs, World Environment Day 2016 celebrations, field trips by local leaders to OELOs ecotourism site at Tsam Tsam, and student questionnaires to improve attitudes towards biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship; and (4) ecotourism development at Tsam Tsam to increase sustainable revenue for conservation and identify alternative activities to hunting in the lake region of Gabon.