A special delivery of one of our latest educational resources.
The Okapi Conservation Project (OCP) is located in the north east of Democratic Republic of Congo. Okapi are a forest mammal, related to giraffe. They are the only living relative of giraffe, and are endemic (found only) in this remote and dense tropical rainforest. Okapi are an important national cultural symbol and flagship species for the forests they live in, but they need all the protection they can get.
The idea to create an okapi educational resource came from the 2024 Tusk Symposium, and since then Berce Nsafuansa, program manager at OCP, and the PACE team have worked hard to make it a reality. The English version has been used in Rwanda and Uganda for a while now, but only recently were we able to get printed copies through to DRC. One thousand copies of the french edition were successfully delivered to the OCP’s headquarters mid December. However, the 7000 km journey to deliver the booklets was far from straightforward! After arriving in Kampala, the onward leg to Ituri in DRC, involved crossing Uganda by local bus, several challenging border crossings, treacherous roads through thick forest, a river crossing and several delays and diversions due to rebel attacks, before finally making it to the OCP office, in perfect condition! A true show of determination and coordination by OCP and PACE teams!
The booklet showcases this curious and rarely seen species. It will be used in schools, homes and communities, to help people learn more about the Okapi, the habitat they depend on and what they can do to protect them. The books are beautifully produced, and full of bright, clear photographs. They will be treasured. Through education, and building conservation values, we are confidant that the Okapi will be protected for generations to come.
“These books will be so encouraging to our communities as they don’t always realise the global importance of their forest and the wildlife. It makes them joyous and so proud to see their story in print.” Berce Nsafuansa, program manager at OCP.
The Okapi resource is available on our Living with Wildlife page, or download in english or in french.
Okapi designated better protection – Fantastic recent news for the okapi – Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) voted to include the okapi on Appendix I. This designation represents the highest level of protection available under international law and places a full prohibition on commercial trade of okapi, their parts, and any sub-products across borders.