In the last two years, Rwanda has seen an increase of wildlife products seized at its borders and airport, making it a suspected transit country for wildlife trafficking. The purpose of this project is to collaborate with the Rwandan government to develop a better understanding of the extent of wildlife trafficking in Rwanda, including products derived from species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and to establish counter-wildlife trafficking measures nationally and across the region. This project is intended to conserve a diversity of CITES-listed species, such as lions (Panthera leo), which have nearly disappeared from the Rwandan landscape; African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), which are nearly extinct in Rwanda; and Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum), which have severely declined. Specific activities of this one-year grant, in partnership with the Rwandan government, include: (1) assessing the situation of wildlife trafficking in Rwanda; (2) supporting the National Committee for Combating Wildlife Crime to coordinate counter-wildlife trafficking activities in Rwanda; (3) strengthening regional and international collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking; and (4) developing a counter-wildlife trafficking action plan for Rwanda.
Understanding and Building Capacity to Address Illegal Wildlife Trade in Rwanda
