Corneille Ewango: A hero of the Congo Basin forest

TL;DR

Corneille Ewango shares his journey from being a poacher in the Congo to becoming a wildlife conservationist, highlighting the importance of protecting the Okapi Faunal Reserve.

Transcript

I don't speak English. I start speaking English, learning English, about a year ago. I speak French and I grew up with French, so my English is Franglais. I'm born in the Western Congo, in an area around here, and then went to university in Kisangani. And after I finished, I went to this area, the Ituri Forest. But what I've been doing -- when I wa... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 A Congolese biologist and conservationist shares his journey from being a poacher to dedicating his life to wildlife conservation and botany. He emphasizes the need for education and capacity building in Africa to create a better future.
• 🏞️ The Okapi Faunal Reserve in Congo protects a diverse range of species, including forest giraffes, elephants, chimpanzees, and 13 species of primates. It also houses around 1,300 known plant species.
• 💰 The extraction of Colombo-Tantalite (Coltan), used in cell phones, has led to the deaths of millions of Congolese. The region's mineral resources have fueled conflict and war, impacting both humans and wildlife.
• 🔫 The speaker describes the devastating effects of war on the wildlife and people of Congo, including the killing of animals in zoos and the involvement of child soldiers. He emphasizes the need to address the language of guns and the impact of the gun industry.
• ✨ Despite facing significant challenges, the speaker and his team have continued their work in biodiversity conservation, including tracking global warming's effect on biodiversity and the Ituri Forest's carbon uptake. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding and supporting African scientists.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Ewango to transition from being a poacher to a conservationist?

Ewango desired to continue his education and make a positive impact on his community by becoming a doctor. However, due to financial constraints, he saw poaching as an opportunity to fund his studies. He eventually developed a passion for wildlife conservation and decided to dedicate his efforts to protecting the Okapi Faunal Reserve and its biodiversity.

Q: How did Ewango navigate the dangers posed by the war and conflict in the Congo?

Ewango faced immense challenges during times of war and conflict in the Congo. He used his negotiation skills to convince rebel soldiers and militias to respect the reserve's regulations and cease logging, mining, and poaching activities. He also utilized his satellite phone and computer to send reports to relevant organizations and the UN to put pressure on the rebels to leave the area.

Q: What role did the Okapi Faunal Reserve play in preserving biodiversity?

The Okapi Faunal Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, and unique species like the forest giraffe. It also houses the Ituri Forest, which boasts a wide variety of plant species. The reserve's protection is crucial for safeguarding these species and studying their response to environmental changes.

Q: How can individuals outside of Africa support Ewango's efforts?

Ewango suggests that building capacities for the young generation in Africa is vital. This includes supporting educational opportunities, scholarships, and funding for students to pursue degrees in fields related to conservation and environmental science. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation globally can encourage support for organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and their initiatives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Corneille Ewango grew up as a poacher, assisting his family in collecting ivory tusks and meat from the Ituri Forest to make a living.

• Despite facing challenges, Ewango pursued his education and studied tropical ecology and plant botany. He later joined the Wildlife Conservation Society and dedicated himself to protecting the Okapi Faunal Reserve.

• Ewango faced numerous obstacles during wars and conflict, but he was determined to preserve the reserve and its diverse wildlife. He continues to work on botanical research and combating the threats to the environment.