Edward Appleton currently works for the Forestry Development Authority in Liberia.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Combating Wildlife Trafficking

The project aimed to increase awareness about combating wildlife crime in schools and the wider public in Liberia. Activities focused on training 80 student from 20 schools in two of Liberia’s wildlife trade hotspots, Monrovia and Paynesville. Training included relevant laws, protected species, zoonotic diseases, communication methodologies and the importance of wildlife for forest ecosystems and economic development through ecotourism. Two student representatives and two teacher representatives from each school received intense training and then developed a 3-months awareness campaign for their respective schools. After conducting the awareness program, an event was organized for the 20 schools to present their activities. A committee of members of the Liberia Wildlife Crime Task Force, the diplomatic corps and civil society issued an award to the school with the best awareness campaign. The event was promoted through various media channels, to ensure the wider public is reached and knowledge is being shared. The project builds upon ongoing initiatives to combat wildlife crime in Liberia and support the implementation of various species conservation action plans, such as for critically endangered western chimpanzees and forest elephants.

"The importance of educating the future generation and ensuring that this pilot project will be expanded and that we all work together to ensure sustainable and protection of wildlife.” - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience

Edward was a participant in the IVLP Project Combating Wildlife Trafficking, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Washington, DC; Charleston, SC; Helena, WA; Seattle, WA

Country: Liberia 

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