PROTECTING COMMUNITIES & OUR PLANET
Tens of thousands of elephants are killed by armed poachers every year, pushing these creatures dangerously close to extinction. To combat this crisis, CAP has teamed up with scientists, conservationists, activists, economists, and purpose-driven companies to demonstrate elephants are more valuable alive than dead. An elephant is worth a staggering 2.6 million dollars over its lifespan for carbon capture and the forest ecosystem services it renders (based on $50 per tonne of CO2). A dead elephant brings in less than $40,000 for its ivory.
With our track record of combatting nature crimes and the illegal wildlife trade, we are leading collaborative efforts with local and international stakeholders to launch an innovative Nature Positive project in Liberia. Our goal is to catalyze a significant paradigm shift in how we value and protect vital species and lift their local community stewards out of poverty. Through this work, we are also mitigating the loss of biodiversity and climate change, ultimately ensuring a safer future for us all.
THE HARM
Elephant Poaching, Forest Destruction, and Poverty.
The poaching of forest elephants, driven by the black-market value of their ivory, is devastating Liberia's rainforest, a crucial ecosystem. Nearly 70% of Liberia's Upper Guinea Rainforest has already been destroyed by encroachment. Biodiversity loss, human welfare, and climate change are all at stake. Our Liberia pilot project exemplifies our commitment to the regeneration of green-lung forests and growing elephant herds that likewise pave the way for eco-livelihoods and the carbon sequestration necessary for for the future of our planet. Using a collaborative, human-rights based approach, our efforts support local communities, reduce wildlife crime, and promote a green economy as an alternative to the extractive industries.
THE STORY
In laying the groundwork for our Liberia pilot project, we’ve had to shift the paradigm of how the world views and values endangered species and their habitats. To achieve this, we’ve hosted natural capital forums and webinars, presented to governments, the World Bank, UN, and other multilateral institutions, educated finance markets and capital holders, and prepared on-the-ground partners in Africa to help us execute our vision. Storytelling in the media and at numerous public and private sector events has helped us build the confidence and momentum in our mission towards a nature-positive economy and regenerative future.
THE CHANGE
A recent project we’ve begun to catalyze the change that we believe will shift the narrative:
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Moving jobs in fragile ecosystems away from the extractive industries (logging, mining, wildlife trade);
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Designing decent and realistic green jobs (eco-guards, bio-monitors, agroforestry, ecotourism);
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Increasing the resilience of local communities and their natural habitats;
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Expanding empowerment of women and youth;
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Improving the business environment by attracting private sector investment in a nature-positive economy;
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Progressing on rolling out similar regenerative projects across the globe.
CONTINUING THE WORK
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In collaboration with Blue Green Future LLC, CAP is leading implementation of the ecosystem services pilot project for Liberia.
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Once the pilot startup phase is completed, CAP will oversee the execution and training for the monitoring and evaluation process.
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CAP is expanding our project model to additional geographical locations and other keystone species such as gorillas, jaguars, and whales.
Ten Ways to Build a Better Future Together
What can I do to make an impact when it comes to reversing climate change and rewilding the earth?
"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed" - Mahatma Gandhi.
This a great reminder that we must strive for balance with nature rather than exploiting it for our gain. Today is World Earth Day, an annual event celebrated globally on 22nd April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practices to protect the planet. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and has since grown into a worldwide movement. The significance of Earth Day lies in the fact that it serves as a reminder that we all share the responsibility of protecting our planet and preserving its natural resources for future generations.
