The Environment and Coffee Forest Forum (ECFF) convened a Wildlife Trafficking Dynamics Assessment Validation Workshop under the Horn of Africa Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (HoA-ESR) Project, focusing on the Borana–Marsabit Transboundary Landscape.<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/36a19d60-d0ac-4bda-b5b9-5dce833dbffe.png">Stakeholders convene in Bishoftu to validate wildlife trafficking dynamics under the HoA-ESR Project, strengthening transboundary conservation efforts in the Borana–Marsabit landscape. The workshop was held in Bishoftu on 23 December 2025 and brought together representatives from relevant government institutions, conservation experts, civil society organizations, and development partners. The objective of the workshop was to review, validate, and strengthen the findings of a comprehensive assessment on wildlife trafficking dynamics in the transboundary landscape. Workshop Proceedings <img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/c2780c9b-88e4-4a3a-8a3f-fefa41694123.png">Expert insights shared during the Wildlife Trafficking Dynamics Assessment Validation Workshop, supporting evidence-based action against illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings were presented by Dr. Fanuel Kebede and Mr. Fetene Hailu, who provided detailed insights into wildlife trafficking trends, key drivers, and emerging risks affecting biodiversity across the Borana–Marsabit landscape. Their presentations highlighted the importance of evidence-based analysis in informing conservation planning and enforcement efforts. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and provided constructive feedback, contributing to the refinement of the assessment to ensure its accuracy, relevance, and practical applicability at both national and transboundary levels.<img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/a210cdc3-2300-491c-a035-b183563b029b.png"> Active participation and dialogue during the validation workshop helped refine findings and ensure local relevance across the transboundary landscape. Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration The validation workshop reinforced the importance of cross-border collaboration and coordinated action in addressing illegal wildlife trade. It also underscored ECFF’s commitment, through the HoA-ESR Project, to supporting data-driven interventions that enhance environmental sustainability, strengthen resilience, and protect shared natural heritage. <img src="https://api.ecff.org.et/images/098918f2-0166-4c1b-bc19-16c20ee84214.png">ECFF-led workshop under the HoA-ESR Project brings partners together to strengthen regional collaboration against wildlife trafficking. The validated assessment will serve as a critical resource for policymakers, practitioners, and partners working to combat wildlife trafficking and promote sustainable management of the Borana–Marsabit Transboundary Landscape.

ECFF Convenes Wildlife Trafficking Assessment Validation Workshop for the Borana–Marsabit Transboundary Landscape