Indigenous Stewards Supporting Okapi Conservation

Indigenous peoples of the Reserve are key allies to its conservation. Considered the ‘first protectors of the forest’, they have resided in the Ituri Forest for hundreds of generations maintaining their distinct culture. From their active involvement in the establishment of the Reserve to their support in guiding okapi camera trap expeditions, their collaboration has been vital to enhancing the understanding of the Reserve and ensuring its conservation for years to come.

In fact, because of their traditional rights, over 50% of the reserve is set aside for the Mbuti and Efe indigenous peoples to practice their traditional hunting and gathering nomadic lifestyles.

OCP Educator Mastaki sharing posters of fully protected species inside the Reserve.

In Quarter 4 of 2023, our education team set out to meet with local communities and indigenous tribes, the Mbuti, Efe, and Batwa, within the Ituri-Epulu-Aru Landscape to raise awareness for protected species and review authorized traditional hunting methods and adherence to the hunting calendar within the Reserve. To support this effort, 1,500 posters featuring fully protected species were distributed to local community leaders and indigenous chiefs to be displayed strategically throughout their communities. The posters support clear identification of protected species and act as visual reminders of the benefits of sustainable hunting practices to foster widespread understanding and commitment to responsible wildlife management for present and future generations.

We thank Disney Conservation for their contribution to these efforts.

Over 50% of the reserve (tan color) is set aside for Mbuti and Efe peoples’ indigenous rights.

Indigenous Mbuti with protected animal poster.