Maintaining forest cover and protecting threatened species

In the context of rapid development of economic projects, illegal logging and urban expansion, the priority is to maintain the connectivity of high conservation value areas at the forest landscape level. PAPFor envisages the restoration of forest corridors with a strong involvement of the riparian communities. The programme works with local authorities and riparian communities to restore degraded areas in the corridor connecting Sabouyah (in Guinea), Kuru Hills and Outamba (in Sierra Leone). These areas are currently subject to illegal exploitation of rosewood, poaching, and degradation of natural habitats. Most recently, CITES has banned the exploitation of rosewood in Sierra Leone. The Guinean authorities have already taken strong measures to reduce timber trafficking in the Mamou and Faranah regions. The project will support these two governments in their efforts to combat illegal logging and law enforcement.