Okapi Conservation Project 2013 Annual Report.Pdf

Annual Report

2013 Our Mission … To conserve the Okapi in the wild while preserving the biological and cultural diversity of the Ituri Forest.

About the Okapi… As an endemic protected species of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Okapi is the national conservation symbol of the country. As a flagship species it serves as an ambassador representing the incredible diversity of life found in the region.

Okapi Conservation Project (founded in 1987) works to protect the natural forest systems of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and to secure a sustainable future for the wild okapi by:  Supporting and equipping government wildlife rangers  Providing training and infrastructure development to improve protection of wildlife and habitats  Assisting and educating communities to create an understanding of sustainable resource conservation  And by promoting alternative agricultural practices and food production in support of community livelihoods

Introducing the New OCP Logo

Okapi Conservation Project Staff

Founder & President – John Lukas Okapi Dispensary Nurses Kasereka Kyove On-site Director – Rosmarie Ruf Anzatebedanga Mumbere Kayenga Mbusa Mughanda Asst. Director – Enckoto Napameyi Marcel Mbambu Mituho Nelson Murongo Muhindo Maliro Accountant – Mutahinga Mumbere Eleme Mulowayi Katalayi Toliba Maseko Vusike Kiruzi Asst. Accountant – Kambale Katsuva Julien Seburo Bwichubungize Mustuva Kakurusi Fiston Infrastructure/ Kasereka Katsuva Agroforestry Educators Maintenance Katsuva Kaposo Department Head – Muvi Yalala Angomba Lingameli Mbete Nguma Yangunapayi Makasi Program Assistant – Mpinda Tchinkunku Bunduki Abdalah Kababo Mutubule Abdala Moricho Technician – Enckoto Bameseto Gomo Akya Panga Madro Alezo Technician – Makubili Mwanika Kakule Kavunga Sagbolo Yuma Technician – Masiyiri Mulawa Kalinda Mubengwa Paluku Kakule Dear Friends and Donors,

This past year saw a gradual return to normalcy in the town of Epulu, and in many areas of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Visits to Epulu by the governor of Orientale Province and DRC President Kabila raised the profile of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and resulted in renewed efforts by the military to help protect the wildlife and the people living inside and around the Reserve. Support by the Congolese military (FARDC) in the form of joint patrols with ICCN rangers, and a visible presence in major population centers, has brought a renewed sense of security to the region. The rebuilding the ICCN headquarters for the Reserve, located in Epulu, which had been destroyed during the 2012 attack by poachers is nearly complete and we anticipate the office complex should be up and running by early next year.

Patrols by ICCN rangers into the Reserve have increased from ten a month, John Lukas with M’Monga Kiete, early in the year, to twenty in the month of December with rangers covering over ICCN guard and 7,000 km while on foot patrols in 2013. Poaching of primates and elephants, and WCN Scholarship mining for gold, are the most frequently observed illegal activities encountered Recipient in Epulu while on patrol. Okapi are not targeted by poachers but are caught in snares set for other animals. The guard’s impressions from patrol sightings and OCP staff members who monitor the local markets feel the okapi population in the Reserve may be declining only slightly.

Okapi need undisturbed tracts of forests to sustain themselves and protecting the forests from exploitation can only be done with the help and involvement of local communities sharing the land and forests with wildlife. Gaining their backing would not be possible without the generous support we receive from zoos, government and private institutions, and from individual donors around the world.

Thank you for caring, John Lukas

Wildlife Conservation Global Name Change for Okapi Conservation Project’s Umbrella Non-profit Organization The board of directors of White Oak Conservation Center, Inc., the umbrella non-profit organization for the Okapi Conservation Project, has officially changed its name to Wildlife Conservation Global. The name change reflects this public charity’s primary focus of supporting international programs that involve field-based conservation efforts for globally important species, such as okapi, that encourage the protection of biologically diverse ecosystems.

The name of the foundation was changed to underscore the independence of this non-profit from institutions it was affiliated with previously. As a stand-alone non-profit, Wildlife Conservation Global, is fully committed to advocating for the Okapi Conservation Project and providing transparency and accountability to those supporting okapi conservation efforts in DR Congo or giraffe conservation in Africa.

We are extremely grateful to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for providing a home to the Okapi Conservation Project and the umbrella non-profit as we transitioned to complete autonomy from our long-term association with the Howard Gilman Foundation. All contact information, Federal EIN# and bank routing information remain the same. Please refer all inquiries to John Lukas at [email protected].

ICCN Rangers Continue To Patrol the Okapi Wildlife Reserve

In response to the insecurity remaining in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve this past year, FARDC soldiers, originally stationed in Bunia, have been accompanying ICCN (Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature) rangers as they conduct their patrols into the Reserve looking for poachers and miners. These patrols are making special efforts to collect snares and relocate the trackers and trap makers that poachers depend on to find and catch animals in the Reserve.

Law enforcement actions are significant by themselves, but set against a backdrop of the danger of encountering roving bands of armed militias bent on destroying anyone aligned with authority, is truly an amazing achievement. The courageous ICCN rangers carry on with this dangerous work, in spite of the insecurity remaining in the region. OCP continues to support these rangers with communication tools, stipends, and rations for these patrols. They could not do this critical work without the support from OCP donors around the world.

In 2013 law enforcement patrols confiscated 21 pieces of ivory taken from forest elephants, hundreds of snares, more than two dozen guns, and 23 poachers were arrested. Disruption of these poaching activities, by ICCN rangers, have saved the lives of many animals in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila Visits Epulu

During a 575-mile road trip through eastern DRC in November, President Joseph Kabila stopped in Epulu for lunch and a meeting with OCP Director Rosmarie Ruf. This was his first visit to the region since the June 2012 attack on ICCN and OCP headquarters in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. After being briefed on the situation in and around the Reserve, the President pledged to direct more FARDC troops to the task of removing militias operating in the Ituri Forest, including Morgan and his allies.

At the conclusion of his road trip, President Kabila addressed residents of the town of Rutshuru saying that he was committed to ending the 20 years of conflict in the region. These were encouraging words from the President, and they brought hope that the problems affecting the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the surrounding Director Rosie Ruf meeting with Jean Bamanisa Saidi communities will now get attention from the Governor of the Orientale Providence, highest levels of the Congolese government. President Kabila (blue shirt) and General Fall

DR Congo Rebels End Insurgency

The M23 rebel group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ended their insurgency after a crushing military defeat in October 2013. M23 leaders ordered commanders to prepare troops to disarm, demobilize, and prepare for reintegration on terms agreed with the government of the Congo.

The demise of M23 sent an intimidating message to other armed groups. The Congolese army is aware of various armed militias operating in Eastern DRC, including Morgan and his followers and made it clear if they do not surrender they will be disarmed by force. The OCP staff is encouraged that the elite UN forces and well-disciplined DRC soldiers will now make securing all of Eastern DRC a priority.

The elimination of illegal armed groups is necessary for ICCN rangers to carry out effective conservation actions inside the Okapi Wildlife Reserve that reduces human destruction of forests and stop the illegal trade in wildlife products. With determined efforts from ICCN rangers and the DRC military supported by UN troops, 2014 should see the return of peace and security to all of Eastern DRC which we expect will benefit the wildlife and people of the region.

Important Update The notorious poacher Morgan, who was responsible for the attack on ICCN headquarters June 2012, killing six people and slaughtering all of the okapi at the Station was mortally wounded on April 12, 2014 by Congolese army soldiers when a disagreement over the terms of his surrender under an amnesty agreement erupted into a gunfight between the two sides.

The Okapi Conservation Project is grateful for the Congolese government’s effort to end this dark chapter in their country’s history which gives way to a brighter future in which the okapi, as well as the people residing in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, can live peacefully and flourish in this bountiful rainforest environment. Okapi Conservation Strategy Workshop

The first-ever Okapi Conservation Strategy Workshop, held in May 2013 in Kisangani DRC, found that the population of okapi has declined across its range. Following a reassessment led by the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group the okapi’s Red List classification of “Near Threatened” was upgraded to “Endangered”. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve where OCP works with ICCN rangers and local communities to protect the unique biodiversity of the Ituri Forest remains a stronghold for the okapi and is therefore one of the key sites for okapi conservation activities in all of DRC.

This reassessment of the okapi’s status underscores the need for increased protection in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a World Heritage Site and an important region of biodiversity. The Reserve still remains a relatively pristine forest and home to not only okapi, but many other threatened species including the largest remaining populations of forest elephants and chimpanzees in DRC.

Support of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is more important now than ever before! Conservation Involves Sustainable Agroforestry Improving agriculture production reduces the need to move deeper into the forest to grow food and reduces the consumption of bush-meat; helping to conserve okapi and other key species found in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. In spite of the security challenges in this region, the work of the OCP staff continued this past year making strides in efforts to assist and educate communities around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Among the many things accomplished in 2013:  Over 6,000 fruit tree seedlings were distributed to local communities  10,000 woodlot seedlings were distributed around Bunia to mitigate deforestation  Over two tons of rice seed, peanut seed, and bean seed were given to farmers’ cooperative members  Assistance was provided to develop new vegetable gardens in eight villages  New tree nurseries were established in Mambasa and Epulu  A rice/cassava grinder was purchased for the village of Ekwe Farmers’ Cooperative to help increase production of flour, allowing members to sell the surplus and pay for healthcare and school fees Winning Hearts and Minds

Support to Women’s Associations remains an important part of the work of the Okapi Conservation Project. Seminars were held in Wamba, Niania, Mambassa and Epulu where members discussed their strengths and weaknesses and developed plans to increase funding for the development of micro enterprises. This support to women’s associations including micro-enterprise investment in tailoring and communal gardens gives women a chance to earn money to support their families. One of the efforts of the Women’s Associations is to help the youngest members of their communities by Eight sewing machines were provided to area Women’s groups in an effort to support small business enterprises. providing clothing for newborns and orphans, along with food and various other support when needed. The work of these women in helping others is truly astonishing while each of them struggles to take care of their own families under the harshest of conditions. They are ardent supporters of conservation and our best allies in negotiating with communities on managing resources in a manner that will also benefit wildlife. OCP provided seeds and peanuts for planting to improve food security.

OCP Supporting Health and Community- S c hoo ls

Health Clinics - Support of rural health clinics Schools - Through maintains strong bonds between the OCP and the support of Disney communities around the Reserve. Men, women Club Penguin, school and children depend on the nurses in these supplies have been clinics for life saving treatment of malaria, distributed to nearly typhoid fever all of the 106 schools and dysentery. around the Reserve which serve over Over 2,000 30,000 students. people were Additionally, OCP treated by provided soccer OCP nurses in balls and uniforms to Epulu in 2013. 15 schools.

Financial Review

OCP Revenue 2013 - $668,989 Grants $86,820

Okapi SSP & EEP Institutions $251,840

Individual Donors and Foundations $330,329

OCP Expenses 2013 - $668,989 ICCN Support $244,549

OCP Operations and Equipment $234,531

Health Care Conservation Education $58,128 & Community Assistance $94,961 Immigration Control and Zoning $36,820

2013 — Engaging Followers of OCP through Social Media

Increase +113% Increase +119% Increase +655% Salute to Donors, Partners & Volunteers

Thank you for your generous support in 2013

Abaja, Merle Fallows, James Lewis, Tessa Adelman, Kenneth & Farkas, Sandra Lomas, Frank Gabrielle Feay, Mary & Bruce Lopipero-Langmo, Peggy Rodriguez, Yarailia Alexandra, Uilacan Filho, Elias Sadalla Lovett, Andrew Roudszus, Klaus Andrews, Angela Fischer, Martha & Frank Luebcke, Dixie Rogers, Stevan Anonymous Fuller, Alison Lukas, John & Vanessa Rouff, Jacqueline Antal, Mikos Gardner, Gail Lustig, Helen & Jerry Sadoulet, Valerie & Bernard Barbre, Ariel Gasti, Taieen Mangum, Nancy Sak, Rachel Begeman, Rachel Geske, Matthew Manocchia, Pat Schauer, Louis Billo, Ellie Geyer, Kellie Marano, Lizbeth & Schimit, Thelma Birch, Tanya & Peter Gilson, Lisa Mel Bochner Sharp, Lisa Brewer, Katharine Golding, David Martin, Fran & Jim Growden Siegel, Kassie Bugman, Nancy Gee Graham, Bob & Annie Martin, Virginia Soberman, Monica Burns, Greg Grunbock, Cheryl Marvin, Paul & Michelle Sorrentino, Dominick & Bushell, Jessie Gullick, Mandy Mason, Sona Marylin Byrne, Bridget Gutheim, William Mattijs, Clemens Specht, Jonathan Cabrera, Stefan Hackett, Michael McCartney, Becky & Jeff Staiger, Jennifer Campbell Reed, Kristin Hammel, Thomas Meier, Patrick Stauffer, Alice Campbell, Tamara Hammes, Fred Menelly, Daniel Stewart, Sarah Campbell, Tom Harris, Diana Meyer-Ewald, Stephan Stickler, Claudia Caulfield, Sean Head, Brenton & Andrea Strother, Sally Chan, Beverly Heinz, Jessica Mazzoni, Kimberley Tabor-Beck, Linda Cheng Leong, Koay Herrold, Edmund & Ellen Mikiten, Donald Takeya, Junko Chase, Jane Yamaguchi Millan, Jacob Tamlin, Christopher Citino, Scott Hewitt, Anne-Marie Milton, Abbie Tausinger, David Collins, Matthew Hibel, Amy Montgomery, Karen Terk, Mitchell & Nadine Conley, Lori Hill, Graham Moore, Rebecca Thompson, Lawrence Copernik, Perla Hoffner, Lisa & Eric Mossing, Christopher Tovar, Peter Cosgrove, Elizabeth Holmes, Melissa & Sean Mujsce, Carol Tucker Family Crow, Deborah Stephens Murphy, Sing Tulloch, Angella Decker, Catherine Holt, James Newman, Andy Tyler, Steve Deely, Jacqueline Huggins, Patrick Norvig, Kristan & Peter Van De Vendel, Edward Delman, Madeleine & Ishiwada, Kenji O’Brian, Trevor Vanhorn, Juliana Jerry Cohen Jelincic, Jennifer O'Hara-Heinz, Vergara, Mickey Denney, Eric Johnson, Kimberly Kathleen & Kiera & Barbara Dewling, Marianne Kane, Michael O’Shaunessey, Magaret Vogel, Laura Dey, Sandeep Karlin, Patricia Rose Pallier, Sandra Walker, Deborah Dorion, George Karnos, Kristine Pell, William Watt, Jane & Dorothy Kennedy, Matthew Penfold, Linda WCN Volunteers Dow, Ruth Kenney, Yolanda Perry, Anna Weinberg, Jennifer D'Souza-Anjo Family Key, Jay Petric, Ann Wendell, Carolyn Durnil, Courtney Kidd, Shavaun Pinske, Tamara & Larry Wilde, Jennifer Dutton, Lisa King, Elizabeth Pitcher, Elizabeth Wilhelm, Linda Eggert, John Klinkner, Felix Poggio, Allegra Williams, Patrick Eiss, Israel Klinzing, Bernhard Rabb, George Willott, Jessica Erickson, Patricia Kreidler, Georgia Reardon, Maureen & Denis Yeung, Karen Erickson, Patrick Krogmeier, John & Kathleen Reppen, Heather Zuckerwise, Richard Erit, Madis Lane, Helena Richmond, Kathy Zych, Noah Eszterhas, Suzi Leonard, Richard Robinson, Philip Evans, Julie BOLD = $500 and above Salute to Donors, Partners & Volunteers

FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, AND INSTITUTIONS

CGMK Foundation International Animal Exchange White Oak Disney Interactive Worlds La Palestra, Inc. Conservation Disney Worldwide Conservation Microsoft Corporation Center, Inc. CBSG SEZARC Wildlife Conservation Network Genentech UNESCO Wildlife Conservation Society Global Giving US Fish & Wildlife Service

ZOO PARTNERS & ORGANIZATIONS Our ability to help protect the wild okapi depends in large part on our strong partnerships with the zoo communities around the world. AAZK of Greater Cleveland Great Plains Zoo Tokyo Zoological Park Society AAZK of Omaha Greater Los Angeles Zoo Tulsa Zoo AAZK of Philadelphia Zoo & Garden Houston Zoo Ueno Zoological Gardens AAZK of Lion Country Safari Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Utah's Hogle Zoo Berufsverband der Zootierpfleger Kanazawa Zoological Gardens White Oak Conservation Center Blank Park Zoo Lisbon Zoo Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden Brookfield Zoo Lowry Park Zoo Yokohama Greenery Foundation Buenos Aires Zoo Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Yokohoma’s ZOORASIA Cheyenne Mountain Zoo NEZS Chester Zoo Zoo Antwerpen Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens ZOO Dvůr Králové Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Zoo Leipzig Copenhagen Zoo Safari West Zoo Miami Columbus Zoological Park Safaripark Beekse Bergen Zoologischer Garten Basel Dallas Zoo Saint Louis Zoo Zoologischer Garten Berlin Denver Zoo San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium Zoologischer Garten Koln Disney’s Animal Kingdom San Diego Zoo Zoologischer Garten Wuppertal Dublin Zoo San Francisco Zoo Zoologischer Garten Zurich Fort Worth Zoo Sedgewick County Zoo ZooParc de Beauval VOLUNTEERS We thank our generous volunteers in the U.S. who contribute their time and talents in various capacities critical to the organization so that those who live in the DR Congo can focus on conserving okapi in the wild. Derek Citino Judy Clark Stephanie Rutan Scott Citino Vanessa Lukas The staff of the Wildlife Conservation Network

Along with many others who advise and support in various ways – We are grateful! Okapi Conservation Project 1615 Riverside Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32204 www.okapiconservation.org

“This region holds the greatest marvels of Africa.” Henry Morton Stanley’s first trip across the Northern Congo in 1888