The Pole Pole Foundation: over 30 years of grassroots commitment to Grauer's gorilla conservation and community empowerment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Founded in 1992 under the visionary leadership of Mr. John Kahekwa, a lifelong naturalist and champion of Congolese biodiversity, the Pole Pole Foundation (POPOF) bridges the gap between Kahuzi-Biega National Park's endangered wildlife and local forest-bordering populations.
In Swahili, 'Pole Pole' means 'slowly but surely'. This philosophy guides each of our initiatives: deeply rooted solutions, respectful of local indigenous traditions, and built to endure for generations to come.
A sustainably preserved equatorial biodiversity, where Grauer's gorillas and thriving human communities live in peace and mutual flourishing.
Build ecological and socio-economic resilience to safeguard old-growth forests, eradicate poaching pressures, and uplift vulnerable families bordering the park.
Participatory, inclusive, and community-led: we transform former poachers into wildlife guardians and harness education as the ultimate conservation tool.
The eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is one of the world's most endangered primates. POPOF monitors habituated and wild families, dismantles illegal snares, and actively supports Kahuzi-Biega National Park rangers.
To combat illegal logging, encroachment, and soil erosion, POPOF established large-scale community nurseries. Over 4 million trees have been planted, establishing a living green buffer along park boundaries.
We firmly believe that a healthy, educated child becomes the most dedicated champion of nature. POPOF covers school tuition, serves daily hot meals, and manages youth environmental clubs throughout neighboring schools.
Rather than solely relying on punitive enforcement, POPOF offers dignified alternative livelihoods. More than 150 former poachers surrendered their snares to learn carpentry, masonry, tailoring, and nursery management.
Appui stratégique et opérationnel à la gouvernance du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega.
Promotion active de l'éducation environnementale dans toutes les écoles riveraines.
Renforcement des moyens de subsistance durables et de la sécurité alimentaire des ménages.
Restauration des sols dégradés par l'agroécologie et la plantation continue d'arbres.
Sensibilisation juridique et vulgarisation des lois sur la conservation de la nature en RDC.
Création d'un système de mentorat pérenne pour former la prochaine génération de leaders.