DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Chad has officially terminated its management agreement with the non-profit conservation group African Parks, which is associated with Prince Harry. The Chad government has accused the organization of failing to adequately address poaching issues within the nation’s wildlife reserves, leading to concerns over the effectiveness of their conservation efforts.
Environment Minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous released a statement expressing dissatisfaction with African Parks, citing their “recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude” toward the Chadian government. Djamous also raised alarms over a recent resurgence in poaching and criticized the lack of investment in the reserves that were under the group's management.
In response to the decision, African Parks stated that it is in discussions with the Chadian government to clarify their stance and to determine the best path forward to ensure the ongoing protection of the reserve landscapes that are vital for conservation. This decision marks the end of a 15-year collaborative effort aimed at combating poaching and rejuvenating elephant populations within Chad.
African Parks previously operated the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, which consists of the Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia national parks. During its management tenure, the organization significantly increased the elephant population in Zakouma National Park from 450 in 2010 to over 550 by 2019, which showcases its prior success in wildlife conservation.
Founded in 2000, African Parks earned a reputation for taking charge of heavily degraded areas, with the authority to hire and fire staff while allowing local governments to maintain overarching authority. Their model aimed to enhance efficiency and accountability in protecting both flora and fauna from threats like poaching and habitat loss, particularly in regions grappling with issues such as poverty, corruption, and conflict.
Prince Harry is known to be a prominent figure within African Parks, having served on its board and previously held the position of president. Earlier this year, however, African Parks acknowledged a concerning incident involving human rights abuses committed by park guards at a national park in the Republic of Congo. These abuses affected Indigenous peoples who were displaced during the park's development, raising questions about the implications of conservation practices on local populations.
Despite the current challenges in Chad, African Parks claims that its management agreement for the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve was renewed in April, which indicates ongoing reliance on the organization prior to the recent decision by the Chad government. The termination of this partnership underscores the complexities and difficulties inherent in wildlife conservation efforts within African nations and highlights the ongoing struggle against poaching and habitat degradation amid broader socio-economic challenges.
