Protection & Management of the Lésio-Louna Reserve

Preserving wildlife and natural resources

Collaborating with local communities in the Lésio-Louna Reserve

The Aspinall Foundation has established and managed a Gorilla Protection Programme in the Lésio-Louna Reserve since the creation of the protected area in 1999. Due to the programme we are not only able to support a viable population of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas following the success of our reintroduction programme, but we are also working to protect and strengthen the biodiversity of the reserve.  

Classified as category IV by the IUCN, Lésio-Louna has the capacity to support a rich and diverse variety of wildlife but it is also exposed to the pressures of human activities. Such pressures arise from the unsustainable use of natural resources by local communities and the damage caused by poaching and illegal activities with the reserve.

For more than ten years The Aspinall Foundation has worked with local people to support their move towards more sustainable farming techniques and with developing alternative income streams, including the development of eco-tourism.

With support from BIOPAMA in November 2020 we have commenced a twelve month project to further improve the protection and management of the reserve.

Managing Eco-Tourism Risk Factors to Achieve Conservation Benefits

By definition eco-tourism will bring people into the area of the reserve and the balance of risk factors requires careful consideration.

During the renovation of accommodation - The work to be carried out consists of renovating existing infrastructure and the implementation process will not result in any alteration to the ecosystem of the area. However mitigation measures in respect of noise and physical disturbance will be put in place, such as keeping the period of work on site to a minimum and carrying out as much building preparation work as possible off site. A waste management strategy is in place which provides effective recycling of any reusable waste material for the benefit of local communities whilst also ensuring any non-biodegradable waste is removed from the site and dealt with by an appropriate waste management company. Choice of materials is made with environmental considerations in mind, in terms of sourcing, durability and environmental impact when in use.

For the long-term - By managing the eco-tourism enterprise carefully the benefits to the area will include not only an income-stream to support the cost of protecting the reserve but will also provide work opportunities for local people. In addition, the presence of managed and supervised trips in and around selected areas of the reserve will act as a significant deterrent to unauthorised access to the protected area. As has been seen during periods of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the absence of authorised visits to protected areas in countries around the word has led to a significant increase in poaching and illegal activities.

The intention is to develop the eco-tourism project to have minimal negative environmental impact whilst providing a benefit to local communities and enhancing the protection of the reserve against such illegal activities.