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Stay tuned for the Expo schedule. In the meantime, explore our schedule from October 2021 to get an idea of what’s offered at Expo. Hover over any of the talks below to learn more about the speakers.
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Monday, October 3 • 9:20am - 9:40am
Women Who Save Wildlife | Okapi Conservation Project
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Few animals look as mythological as the okapi, a reclusive species found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To prevent this rare animal from disappearing, the Okapi Conservation Project (OCP) monitors their small population in Okapi Wildlife Reserve. OCP also works with authorities to tackle threats to okapi and their habitat, such as illegal mining and logging, bushmeat poaching, and harmful agricultural development. To cultivate pride and inspire the next generation of okapi protectors, OCP runs educational programs for children and offers community assistance to the people who share land with okapi on the reserve.

Speakers
avatar for Rosmarie Ruf

Rosmarie Ruf

DRC Director, Okapi Conservation Project
Rosie has worked in the DRC since 1979, and has been with OCP since its founding in 1987. As OCP’s in-country Director, she leads OCP’s programs by working in close collaboration with Congolese authorities and non-governmental organizations to secure the Okapi Wildlife Reserve... Read More →
avatar for Carin Makonga

Carin Makonga

Educator, Okapi Conservation Project
Carin is an educator for OCP and coordinates OCP’s support for the Mambasa and Mungbere MARFO women’s groups (Mamans Amies de la Reserve de Faune a Okapis). She organizes the delivery of supplies, equipment, and training for women to develop their own methods to generate income... Read More →
avatar for Marceline Bakowa Awese

Marceline Bakowa Awese

Women’s Group Member, Okapi Conservation Project
 Marceline is the current president of the Epulu MARFO Women’s Group (Mamans Amies de la Reserve de Faune a Okapis) and has been a member of the group since 2015. After she gained sewing, embroidery, and gardening skills provided by the organization, she was elected president by... Read More →

Monday October 3, 2022 9:20am - 9:40am PDT
Blue Stage (Virtual)
  Blue Stage