By Symphorien Pyana | CEO AgroMwinda
In May 2021, we reported the launch of a digital community capacity building campaign against Wildlife smuggling and/or illegal trade of animals in Kwilu and Kwango provinces, western Democratic Republic of Congo.
The initiative was then extended to North and South Ubangi and Mongala provinces, north-western DRC where we operate since 2019 and where illegal trade of animals is also part of everyday life. The USSD and SMS gateway Systems have been used to share information about the related risks and consequences, monitor and denounce criminal networks.
After six months of sustained awareness raising work, part of the impact is that wildlife smuggling is recognized by most of local community members as a threat and illegal trade of animals a crime. Most of young people often used by criminal networks have become conscious and reluctant.
However, without a real commitment from local as well as provincial and national authorities this phenomenon will not end up as criminal networks corrupt local officers and use their financial power to convince local young people.
Our next strategy will be involving the public Medias and more wildlife defenders from the national level to as for animal trade accountability while protecting the data and identities of local actors involved in the campaign.
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