Across much of Africa anti-poaching tactics have remained largely unchanged for decades. Small groups of undertrained and poorly equipped rangers are sent out for days on end to conduct patrols in remote and dangerous locations. Modern-day poachers have evolved and routinely utilise military tactics and equipment to kill high-target species, such as elephants, rhinos and gorillas. In the cross-fire, rangers are also killed. Seeing this shortfall, the IAPF set out in 2009 to fill the gap.
The IAPF has a structured approach to conservation, employing the relevant tactics and technology to defend wildlife from the ever increasing threat of poaching within protected areas. Anti-poaching however is only a portion of the conservation solution. To be a part of successful projects, the IAPF works alongside partners who specialise in community engagement and development, research and development, wildlife rescue and biodiversity management.
Anti-poaching protects community assets, creates jobs, promotes training and education and reduces habitat destruction. In the many water stressed countries of southern Africa, future generations will depend on these critical natural environments for their very wellbeing.
Each IAPF entity is governed by a Board of Directors or Trustees. One member from each Board sits on an international Steering Committee which administrates collaboration and governance between those entities. Guidance is sought where needed from key partners such as the Wilderness Foundation (UK), Wild Foundation in the USA or from the IAPF Advisory Committee.
The teams of full time employees in each country they operate in and Green Army of volunteers across the world ensure that the message of conservation keeps spreading. To all those people, far and wide, they thank-you.
As the IAPF grows, new challenges are born. Complex governance requirements are being met head on with a number of more effective policies, procedures and systems being put in place in 2014. As they realize this growth, the importance of clear reporting structures throughout the organisation and to donors increases. Rigid systems will support the IAPF’s team into the future as more and more people sign up to tackle the World Wildlife War.
