Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Putting conservation efforts in Central Africa on the right track for interventions that last
Author(s)
Nana, Eric Djomo; Njabo, Kevin Yana; Tarla, Francis Nchembi; Tah, Eric Kaba; Mavakala, Krossy; Iponga, Donald Midoko; Demetrio, Bocuma Meñe; Kinzonzi, Lude; Embolo, Luc Evouna; Mpouam, Serge
Published
2022
Publisher
Conservation Letters
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12913
Abstract
Interventions in Africa designed to stop biodiversity decline have often failed because they were based on a top-down approach to management and focused on enforcing restrictive rules and imposing bans. They were equally misaligned with the values and needs of local actors. This paper presents an African perspective on the discourse regarding the bushmeat crisis and shows that bushmeat in Africa goes beyond being a source of livelihood, having a multifaceted use that must be considered when designing interventions. We show that current conservation initiatives often do not address the right issues, by neglecting nonmonetary dimensions of bushmeat use, inadequately planning interventions, failing to align wildlife laws with realities on the ground, and carrying out ineffective law enforcement characterized by poor governance and corruption. We recommend a revision of current legal frameworks to enhance local ownership, tenure rights, and the sustainable economic empowerment of local communities to reduce hunting. We also call for development of regionally led innovative programs that invest in nature-based solutions and payments for environmental services. Finally, we identify where more research is needed to understand why wildlife use in Africa is overlooked in national development policies and not considered in national accounting.
Keywords
African perspective; bushmeat crisis; conservation initiatives; wildlife legal frameworks
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB35673