During the first two months of the year, the Reserve’s teams stepped up their awareness-raising activities in 14 villages, engaging 743 participants on the protection of wildlife, current legislation and the risks associated with zoonotic diseases. These discussions aim to strengthen the communities’ commitment to the sustainable management of natural resources.
At the same time, local development activities are continuing with technical monitoring of cocoa plantations and nurseries in ten villages, in order to support producers and assess the redensified plantations. A new mission is planned in the northern and central areas of the reserve to strengthen this agricultural support.
On the ecological front, the waterbird census conducted on the Likouala-aux-Herbes and its tributaries identified 5,208 individuals belonging to 44 species, confirming the importance of the reserve as a habitat and corridor for birdlife. The rare white-faced whistling duck was observed again in 2026.
Teams are also continuing their operational efforts: refresher training for eco-guards, support for community governance, and infrastructure improvement works at the Épéna base. A temporary holding pool has also been set up to accommodate dwarf crocodiles seized during anti-poaching operations prior to their release.
These initial activities in 2026 confirm the central role of the Lac Télé Reserve in the participatory conservation of the Congo Basin’s ecosystems.
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