The challenges facing Badingilo National Park are diverse. The park is threatened not only by direct conservation threats on species and habitat but also by its close proximity to the national capitol, Juba, and another town Bor. With rapidly growing populations and high levels of poverty, Juba and Bor represent an enormous and rapidly growing source of demand and production of natural resources. In addition, there is a constant risk of poorly planned large-scale agricultural and infrastructural projects being developed in the absence of holistic protected area management.
Management Implication
African Parks has identified several measures in which it is invested to counteract these threats. Key among them is establishing a well-trained and equipped law enforcement team to carry out monitoring, patrols and surveillance. In addition, needed infrastructure and communication systems will be established. Importantly, all law enforcement efforts will be coordinated through close collaboration with local communities and regional authorities.
Ranger Training
African Parks will recruit and train rangers from local communities who will be deployed throughout Badingilo to ensure wildlife and its ecosystems are protected. New recruits will complete a basic field rangers course and current rangers will receive specialised training to protect the park in accordance to African Parks standard operating procedures. Training will include the use of firearms, patrolling and tracking methods, navigation, data collection, communication, and first aid operations.
Improved Intelligence Systems
We will implement improved intelligence systems in Badingilo, and adapt the law enforcement operations from a reactive anti-poaching strategy to an active counter-poaching strategy to disrupt and decrease illegal activity. In addition, a communications and technology network will be constructed throughout the park, and all information will be centralised 24-hours a day at the operations coordination centre. Through improved communication systems and information gathering, the intelligence system will enhance our efforts to protect the park.
