ESI Congo – Endangered Species International Congo

• Raising awareness and environmental education
• Research on the behavior of great apes and their habitats
• Organizational support for local communities and income-generating activities as alternatives to poaching
• Local governance support for a local development plan shared by all stakeholders

ESI Congo is a Congolese non-profit organisation working since 2009 for the protection of great apes and biodiversity in the Congo Basin. Since 2009, ESI Congo has been leading conservation activities for great apes and biodiversity in this area of 6 villages with a population of about 1,000 people, by collaborating with local populations. Our regular actions of awareness-raising among local populations, and scientific research including the collection of data carried out with the involvement of communities, allow us to gradually challenge the poaching of protected species. This approach is supported by financial and technical support for local development and income-generating activities that enable the implementation of alternatives to poaching. Our community conservation strategy also supports local governance for the consultation of territorial stakeholders with the aim of developing a joint territorial development plan for all stakeholders, respectful of the environment, and concerned about the protection of great apes and biodiversity.