Strengthening Wildlife Product Governance in Guinea and Togo

By Ulysse Korogone, Director of State Engagement for the EPIF

While the assignment to Guinea and Togo was undeniably professional, it also served as a personal journey through two countries rich in culture and hospitality, just like my home in Benin. The streets of Conakry, bustling with life, and the calm charm of Lomé, warmly welcoming at every turn, provided the perfect backdrop to the meaningful conversations that were happening with their wildlife departments towards protecting their wildlife. Whether I was enjoying local dishes, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, or simply absorbing the rhythm of daily life, for me each moment reinforced the importance of human connections in driving effective conservation initiatives. I have to say, the hospitality I experienced was extraordinary, and the casual conversations I had were a constant reminder of the power of preserving wildlife as cultural heritage of the people in Guinea and Togo. Every interaction deepened my respect for the incredible work being done by our local partners and the unwavering dedication they have to conservation in their communities.

Standing by the welcome banner at the entrance of the Guinea workshop venue

One of the ways the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) supports EPI countries is to ensure that accurate inventories and audits of wildlife products in government custody are possible, as well as keeping ivory out of the illegal wildlife trade, which requires robust infrastructure and procedures. In March 2025, I conducted some significant training to this effect in Guinea and Togo, bringing together representatives from forestry and wildlife departments dedicated to the transparent and secure sustainable management of wildlife products in government custody. The assignment to train and nurture the relationships with our two member states started with a capacity-building workshop in Conakry, Guinea, during the week of March 12th and concluded in Lomé, Togo, in the week of March 19th. These workshops were designed to train the attending wildlife officials on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing ivory and other wildlife products and discuss actionable steps in strengthening wildlife protection and sustainable conservation practices within the countries.

Group photo with participants at the Guinea workshop, March 2025

In Guinea, the workshop was kicked off by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD). This high-level participation underscored the country’s commitment to strengthening wildlife governance. In Togo, the workshop was presided over by a representative of the Director of Forest Resources, further illustrating the depth of the country’s institutional engagement. These governmental engagements highlighted the shared dedication of both countries to uphold international best practices in wildlife conservation.

Elephants in Guinea

Thanks to the support of the EPIF, both Guinea and Togo were able to come together to validate these SOPs. Guinea, a member of the Elephant Protection Initiative since 2017, and Togo, which joined in 2023, both expressed heartfelt gratitude toward EPIF for its continued support. The technical standards developed during these workshops are expected to have a transformative impact, shaping the future of wildlife product management in both countries for years to come. These SOPs are not just a set of rules; they embody a collective commitment to transparency and sustainability in wildlife conservation, offering a solid framework for managing stockpiles of wildlife products like ivory in a way that is both secure and sustainable.

Participants of the Togo workshop on stockpile management of wildlife products, March 2025

The progress we witnessed during these workshops represents not only a critical step forward in wildlife protection but also the kind of collaboration that will resonate for years to come. With these validated SOPs in place, Guinea and Togo are poised to lead by example, creating a model for other nations in the region and beyond to follow. The path ahead may still be challenging, but the dedication and unity displayed during these workshops are proof that the future of wildlife conservation in these countries is brighter than ever.

This assignment, and the invaluable work being done in Guinea and Togo, leaves me deeply inspired and hopeful for the continued success of the EPIF and its partners. Together, we are helping to ensure that the elephants and other wildlife in these nations are not just protected but thrive for generations to come. Read more about our work in securing wildlife stockpiles and the resources we have created about stockpile management.