Poachers Becoming Master Carvers
In 1998, PIC initiated a partnership with the Pole Pole Foundation (POPOF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on projects located adjacent to the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. In 1998, POPOF began training 18 men in the craft of wood carving; these men had been actively poaching animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants, inside Kahuzi-Biega. PIC agreed to purchase carvings from these ex-poachers once they had honed their skills and the master carver felt they were ready.
The newly formed POPOF wood carving co-operative joined PIC’s Artisan Project in 2001. PIC continues to purchase 95% of the beautiful animal carvings made by the former poachers and these men are now able to make more money to care for their families from carving gorillas from wood than from killing them for bushmeat. In fact, no animal has been killed by these men during the past 12 years. Our experience shows that the artisan project is providing economic alternatives to men and women, is helping preserve the rainforest and the animals that live there and has increased positive discussions between our conservation partners and the artisans.
The Eyewitness
In 1999, PIC helps to translate, edit, and publish the book The Eyewitness, a first-hand account of the conservation challenges at the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Written and illustrated by the founders of POPOF, The Eyewitness informs children and adults about the threats to the national park and why it is important for them to become active conservationists.
The Eyewitness II
In 2000, PIC helps to translate, edit, and publish the book, Eyewitness II, a first-hand account of the conservation challenges presented by illegal mining and poaching in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This book was also written and illustrated by the founders POPOF to help raise awareness of the problems created by these illegal activities within the local community.
Education First
In 2001, PIC initiated Education First - a program to provide college scholarships to men and women who work in a PIC partner project. Degree programs must relate to education, veterinary components or conservation related majors. To date, eight people have received university degrees and seven adult students are currently receiving scholarships.
In partnership with POPOF, PIC is providing college tuition fees for three people who are former poachers to receive degrees in environmental education. When they graduate in 2011, they will teach at a secondary school built by PIC. Annual tuition for each adult student is $500. This small investment is enabling two men and one woman to change from poachers to educators!
The Environmental School
In 2002, working in collaboration with POPOF in 2002, PIC funded construction of one room each year in the Environmental School for secondary students in the DRC. Their previous school was destroyed by insurgents during the genocide. As each room was completed more students were able to attend classes that focus on the value of saving the rain forest both for wildlife and local people. PIC funded the construction of the final classroom in 2007. The school is operated and maintained by POPOF.
Eyewitness III
In 2003, PIC helps to translate, edit, and publish the book Eyewitness III, a story of how all of the flora and fauna of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park are critically interconnected. The message of the book is that the loss of even one portion of the ecosystem can have far-reaching consequences. Written and illustrated by the founders POPOF, this book is being used as a teaching text and has been recognized by the ICCN (Congolese government wildlife authority).
Reforestation Project
In 2010, PIC began funding a reforestation project with POPOF that will plant 80,000 trees. Secondary students at the Environmental School are taking part in the reforestation project as part of their curriculum. The indigenous trees will not only prevent erosion but also will be planted on land of local people so that they will have sustainable resources. The cost from putting seeds in the ground to planting the young trees is only 34 cents per tree! PIC will continue to support this project in 2011.