Prior to 2021, Conkouati-Douli National Park in the Congo faced uncontrolled pressure from destructive human activities. Illegal mining, logging and poaching proliferated in this home to the country's only coastal forest elephant population. Elephants fled from the core towards the park outskirts, resulting in conflict with people. Since the Congolese government signed a 20-year management agreement with ECF partner Noé in April 2021, the situation is gradually improving. Our first grant to @noebiodiversite funded extensive accommodation renovation, allowing rangers to be based at park headquarters, and outboard motors so that river patrols could be relaunched. A new ECF grant is funding field equipment for patrols, daily running costs, a portion of salaries, and recruitment of a law enforcement expert to train and mentor the team. Working with local communities, Noé is restoring effective management to this biodiverse park. Photo: Arthur Laboureur #forestelephants #elephants #elephant #elephantcrisisfund #conservation #biodiversity #congo #congolese #patrols #grants