U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, International Affairs
The rising demand for bushmeat in Eastern Africa from a burgeoning human population has led to a severe decline in many wildlife populations. Alleviating the impact of the illegal bushmeat trade requires a multidisciplinary approach involving wildlife policy, law enforcement, public awareness, and sustainable alternatives.
The Wildlife Without Borders – Africa program builds capacity in these areas through fellowships based at the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania. The newly established MENTOR Fellowship Program (Mentoring for ENvironmental Training in Outreach and Resource conservation) supports wildlife professionals from four Eastern African countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan) to gain the requisite skills needed to combat the illegal bushmeat trade. Fellows undertake a unique combination of active fieldwork, mentoring, and tailored instruction in preparation for participation in a network of Eastern African wildlife professionals dedicated to reversing the rising trend of illegal hunting.
The MENTOR fellowship program is funded through a cooperative agreement signed by the USFWS, the College of African Wildlife Management, and the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group, a consortium of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund, African Wildlife Foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute, World Resources Institute, the Nature Conservancy, and the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
Weblinks:
College of African Wildlife Management at Mweka, Tanzania
Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group
Coming for 2008: Protected Area Training Fund. In 2008, the Wildlife Without Borders-Africa Program will provide grants that build capacity for biodiversity conservation in and around protected areas throughout Africa. Target audiences will include: protected area managers, guards, rangers, outreach and educational specialists, community leaders, educators, and decision makers. Additional details coming soon.
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