About CA-BRIP
A platform for debate and dialogue on bushmeat policy
The CA-BRIP network bridges research and policy development to improve wildlife-resource governance across Central Africa.
The need
Evidence exists. Reaching the people who write policy is the hard part.
Unsustainable hunting for bushmeat is a key threat to biodiversity and food security in Central Africa. While evidence bases and decision-support tools exist that can be used to develop effective policies and practices for sustainable wildlife management, regional awareness of and capacity to use these resources is often lacking, with limited cross-country sharing of experiences.
The governments of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Gabon are all at different stages of reforming their bushmeat policies, and the Central Africa Bushmeat Research Into Policy (CA-BRIP) network aims to support them on their journey to develop sustainable, equitable and safe bushmeat systems across the region.
Mission
Support governments in Central Africa on their journey to develop sustainable, equitable and safe bushmeat systems across the region.
Vision
A future where species sold and consumed for bushmeat — both urban and rural — are not sourced from protected areas and are not on the IUCN or national red lists of endangered species.
What we’re doing
Five ways the network turns evidence into decisions
CA-BRIP provides national policymakers with on-request analyses and information to inform their decisions. Alongside that core service, the network works on four fronts.
On-request analysis for policymakers
Providing national policymakers with the analyses and information they ask for, at the moment decisions are being made.
Capacity building
Strengthening researchers and practitioners in Central Africa, especially in the production, processing and use of scientific data for decision-making, as well as fundraising and communication skills.
Scientific papers and policy briefs
Producing, harmonizing and disseminating research to improve understanding of the dynamics governing bushmeat use in Central African countries, and to inform targeted decision-making.
Spaces for dialogue
Facilitating exchange among researchers, policymakers, practitioners and the wider set of stakeholders involved in bushmeat use and management.
Evidence-informed policy
Promoting the development and implementation of concerted, evidence-informed policies across the region.
How we work
Decentralized by design
CA-BRIP takes a decentralized approach to implementation. Its network includes technical partners and diverse members who represent both institutions and individuals.
At the regional level, the network is managed by a General Coordinator who represents CA-BRIP and ensures its overall operation. The General Coordinator is supported by focal points in each country.
Where we work
Three countries, three stages of policy reform
Cameroon
Home of the General Coordinator and the Cameroon country focal point, hosted by IRAD.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country focal point hosted by ERAIFT, the regional post-graduate training school in Kinshasa.
Gabon
Country focal point hosted by IRET, the Institute for Research in Tropical Ecology.
The General Assembly
Five founding institutions
The General Assembly defines CA-BRIP’s strategic priorities and priority action plans.
IRAD — Cameroon
Institute for Agricultural Research for Development
IRET — Gabon
Institute for Research in Tropical Ecology
ERAIFT — DRC
Regional Post-Graduate Training School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Lands
Landscape Alliance
CIFOR & ICRAF in action
University of Oxford
United Kingdom
Want to work with the network?
CA-BRIP responds to requests from policymakers and welcomes collaboration from researchers and practitioners across the region.
