Expoachers Empowerment Project

In many parts of the world, communities dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods have historically engaged in activities such as poaching, habitat destruction, and exploitation of wildlife. Poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities have often driven these practices, perpetuating a cycle of environmental degradation that threatens animals.

For decades, wildlife conservation efforts have faced a significant challenge: how to effectively protect endangered species while addressing the socio-economic needs of communities involved in activities harmful to wildlife. However, a new approach has emerged—one that recognizes the importance of including former poachers as key allies in protecting the very animals they once targeted. Adding former poachers to current conservation efforts is a strategically sound move — these individuals possess invaluable knowledge of local ecosystems and wildlife behavior, and they understand the movement patterns of wildlife, which makes them vital stakeholders in wildlife conservation.

Justice Tourism Foundation recognizes that poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods are prominent drivers of poaching and exploitation. By offering poachers another possibility of acquiring income, education to their community, and capacity-building opportunities, the organization has addressed the root causes of wildlife exploitation while simultaneously providing financial stability to them. Pioneering inclusive conservation, Justice Tourism Foundation has spearheaded initiatives that safeguard wildlife as well as those who were once involved in poaching.

Since 2017, we’ve been working alongside reformed poachers around Kibale National Park, supporting their journey toward conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Today, we’re excited to reignite our efforts, expanding our impact and empowering more individuals to become Wildlife Guardians. The goal is to shift former poachers’ skills and knowledge towards conservation, benefiting both the community and wildlife.

Why Ex-Poachers Empowerment Program?

Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s parks where poaching remains a challenge and a threat to the wildlife. The ex-poacher empowerment program was initiated in response to the growing poaching crisis in Kibale National Park , which was threatening the area’s wildlife. Traps and snares were being set to catch bush pigs, antelope, and other small animals for local consumption. Unfortunately, even the majestic chimpanzees, along with many other non-target species, were often caught in these traps. We realized that poaching was driven by poverty. Local communities, struggling to make ends meet, relied on bush meat either for their own consumption or for sale. With no alternative income sources, the forest became their livelihood. Determined to address both environmental loss and poverty, we knew that the key to protecting the park’s wildlife was to work directly with the poachers, offering them viable alternatives to hunting. And so, we launched our Ex-Poacher Empowerment Program.

The ex-poacher empowerment program focuses on transforming the lives of former poachers by equipping them with sustainable livelihood alternatives and integrating them into self-managed, reformed poacher networks. Through this, we empower local communities to protect wildlife, ensuring a future where conservation and economic stability go hand in hand. These initiatives offer alternatives to poaching, such as becoming guides for ecotourism, participating in conservation projects, or receiving support for family welfare. The goal is to shift former poachers’ skills and knowledge towards conservation, benefiting both the community and wildlife.

How Can You Be Involved?

Justice Tourism Foundation makes it simple for everyone to contribute towards wildlife conservation. Every donation made will result in providing poachers with another possibility of acquiring income, education to their community, and capacity-building opportunities while simultaneously providing financial stability to them.