Launch of the Biodiversity Component, Evaluation of the Implementation of the Wildlife Management Plan for the Yangambi Landscape, and the Official Launch of SO WILD Organization.

The event was officially inaugurated by Vice-Governor of the Province of Tshopo, His Excellency, Mr. Didier Lomoyo on December 2, 2024, at the DISSA Hotel in Kisangani (Tshopo, DRC).

The new Biodiversity Component of the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) program, funded by the European Union, will be implemented by CIFOR-ICRAF in partnership with SO WILD in Yangambi landscape. Monitoring will focus on four taxonomic groups—mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish—using innovative techniques such as camera traps, soundscapes, and environmental DNA (eDNA). Additionally, Local Ecological Knowledge will be incorporated to enhance biodiversity assessment and ecosystem monitoring efforts in the Yangambi landscape.

The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), the authorities of the Province of Tshopo, traditional chiefs from the Turumbu sector, community representatives, and private sector actors.

During his address, the Vice-Governor encouraged participants to propose innovative ideas to ensure the success of the project and to contribute to the Sustainable Management of Wildlife within the Yangambi landscape.

In addition to launching the Biodiversity Component, the event included an evaluation of the implementation of the five-year Wildlife Management Plan for the Yangambi Landscape (PGF), which was adopted in November 2023. Recommendations were made to strengthen the implementation of the plan in the future.

The day concluded with a festive ceremony celebrating the official launch of SOLUTIONS FOR WILDLIFE (SO WILD), marked by a speech from the Director General of SO WILD and a traditional dance performance by the folkloric group « Carte Routière de la Tshopo (C.R.T) ».

A special thanks to all participants and partners for their contributions to this enriching day of dialogue and commitment to biodiversity!

Gratitude is also extended to the European Union and CIFOR-ICRAF for their financial support, without which these activities would not have been possible.