Liban Mohamed Farah is the director of planning and policy development at Puntland Ministry of Environment and Climate change. He rescues cheetahs from illegal wildlife trafficking and rehabilitates them in his conservation sanctuary for animals. Liban spearheaded an initiative to plant more than 1,200 commiphora myrx trees in the Sanaag and Bari regions of Somalia. Liban is a lifelong advocate for the environment and wildlife conservation. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Combating Wildlife Trafficking in Puntland

Wildlife trafficking in Puntland, Somalia is a serious problem. For example, cheetah cubs are frequently poached and trafficked to nearby countries where they are sold to the wealthy as luxury pets. Antelope, exotic birds and reptiles also are trafficked.

This project consolidated and supported a systematic approach to reducing wildlife trafficking in Somalia. An education and advocacy campaign raised awareness on the issue, reaching an estimated 200,000 people (10% of the country's population) through radio, television and social media. A training workshop was conducted for stakeholders from local government, courts, the police force, civil society organizations, and the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Climate Change. A toll-free hotline was set up where the public can report suspicious activity related to wildlife trafficking.

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Liban participated in the IVLP Project: Combating Wildlife Trafficking, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Mississippi Consortium for International Development, in partnership with WorldMontana, Charleston Council for International Visitors, and World Affairs Council of Seattle.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Washington, DC; Helena, MT; Charleston, SC; Seattle, WA

Country: Somalia

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