Reformed Poachers Plant Four Kilometers of Mauritius Thorny Hedge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

Over 50 reformed poachers from the park edge communities of Nteko and Kakoka around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have planted 4 kilometers of a Mauritius thorny hedge to help deter problem animals which leave the park to destroy adjacent gardens. This action will go a long way in reducing crop raids and addressing human wildlife conflict. The Mauritius thorny hedge adds onto the other human wildlife mitigation measures already in place in the area like the buffer zone. The planters earned a daily wage of about $ 42 each from this exercise. According to Henry Mutabaazi, IGCP’s Uganda Country Coordinator, “Seeing ex-poachers take lead in key conservation activities is a good thing, it is testament to their transformation and appreciation of conservation and its contribution
to their lives.”