Promoting sustainable conservation under conditions of poverty and civil strife in the Albertine Rift

The Albertine Rift biogeographical region is recognised for its importance in biodiversity and as a centre of refugium for different taxa and birds in particular. However, the region faces important problems especially the lack of scientific knowledge, high human pressure and limited environmental education to promote awareness by the local population. This paper highlights the importance of a participatory approach to conduct research and to integrate the local population in the sustainable use of natural resources, using birds as a model. This approach was undertaken by Programme OBICO Rift Albertin (the Organisation for Biodiversity Information and Conservation in the Albertine Rift, now called “Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS)”). © 2000, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.