Luke L. Powell's New Project Approved: Dedicated Efforts to Conserve Equatorial Guinea's Biodiversity
News
Luke L. Powell has achieved another milestone with the approval of an exciting project in collaboration with esteemed partners. This project, developed in cooperation with INDEFOR-AP (The Institute of Protected Areas management of Equatorial Guinea), the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, and the Bristol Zoological Society, focuses on designing a comprehensive, long-term management plan for a 50,000-hectare reserve on the mainland of Equatorial Guinea.
Luke L. Powell's proposal, submitted to the Rainforest Trust, successfully secured funding of US $2 million in May 2022. This substantial investment will support the preservation of critical habitats for several endangered or critically endangered species, including chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, and multiple species of endangered pangolins.
The project's objectives extend beyond conservation alone. TROPIBIO, in collaboration with INDEFOR-AP, aims to empower local communities by building their capacity to monitor and safeguard biodiversity in the region. The initiative will include workshops, the development of a PhD thesis focusing on the country's bat population, camera trapping exercises, and bird surveys.
This significant project is the culmination of a collaborative relationship that began in 2013 and serves as a testament to Luke L. Powell's dedication to preserving and protecting Equatorial Guinea's rich biodiversity. By combining expertise and resources, this partnership strives to ensure the long-term viability of the reserve and the thriving ecosystems it harbors.
Through Luke L. Powell's leadership and the collaborative efforts of the project partners, Equatorial Guinea takes a significant step forward in the conservation and sustainable management of its natural resources. This endeavor will have a lasting impact, safeguarding the region's remarkable biodiversity for generations to come.