The TNS Anti-Poaching Brigade (APB) is a joint cross-border unit set up to combat cross-border poaching in TNS, a real symbol of cross-border cooperation between the TNS three countries of this transboundary forest complex. Consisting of ecoguards from the three protected areas of this World Heritage site, the establishment of the APB in the Nyangouté area in the Central African Republic has made it possible to largely reduce poaching and other illegal activities in this intersection zone between the three member countries.
Since its creation in 2010, the APB headquarters, thanks to the financial support of FTNS, has been equipped with several infrastructures (operations room, dormitories, kitchen, etc.) for the proper implementation of the operations of this joint force. After more than 10 years of existence, these buildings, most of which are ageing, are almost on the verge of ruin, an unfavourable context for the maintenance of this unit, which is essential for the survival of TNS wildlife.
Crumbling buildings…
Progressive natural deterioration, extreme climate and wildlife have led to the destruction of this headquarters. The main buildings, consisting of a dormitory for the eco-guards, a refectory-kitchen, a hut, an administrative building, sanitary facilities and a guardhouse, are all in a dilapidated state.
Added to this, the site’s electricity and water supply networks are defective, which is a huge blow to the upkeep of the ecoguards who dwell there. Therefore, the rehabilitation and construction of new buildings is necessary to improve the living conditions of the permanent staff and to encourage the mobilisation of the temporary staff of this base.
FTNS is on the job!
In order to remedy this, the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas, with the financial and technical support of FTNS, has decided to implement a project to rehabilitate the APB buildings. The aim is to “improve the hygiene, comfort and security of the APB headquarters by refurbishing the existing buildings, constructing secure buildings for the guards and stocks, and revising the water and electricity supply system”.
The planned works will include the rehabilitation/construction of an eco-guards’ dormitory, a refectory-kitchen, an administrative building, a hut, showers, latrines, dormitories for the guards, a fuel and equipment reserve, a 4m² water tank, a water pumping system, a water distribution, piping, stairs at the landing and lookout point to facilitate access. The installation of twilight lights around the base is also planned to scare away elephants at night.
In 2020, FTNS in partnership with the Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas had already contributed to the operationalisation of the TNS Anti-Poaching Brigade (APB) for the Fight against Poaching in Nyangouté through the provision of a generator, two solar street lamps (electrification and lighting) and a VSAT installation (for an adequate internet connection on the site).