+254716152699 | info@lapa.africa | Nairobi, Kenya

Justice for Wildlife

Justice for Wildlife

Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking pose one of the most severe threats to Africa's biodiversity. From poaching iconic species to the smuggling of less conspicuous wildlife, the scale of this illicit industry undermines conservation efforts, damages ecosystems, and perpetuates organized crime. We have a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by advocating for stronger legal frameworks, robust enforcement, and public awareness.

Working Animals

Working Animals

Donkeys have been indispensable to communities across Africa for centuries. These hardworking animals provide critical support in transportation, agriculture, and trade, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is underdeveloped. Despite their importance, donkeys face escalating threats from unsustainable practices, international demand for their hides, and the gradual replacement by mechanized technologies. Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA) has a vital role to play in safeguarding the welfare of donkeys through legal reform, advocacy, and community engagement.

Marine Species

Marine Species

Africa's marine ecosystems are a treasure trove of biodiversity, hosting a wide array of species critical to both ecological balance and human livelihoods. However, the continent's marine wildlife is under severe threat from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the exploitation of endangered species, bycatch impacts, poor regulatory frameworks, and illegal trade and trafficking. Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA) has an essential role to play in advocating for the protection of marine species through stronger regulations, enforcement mechanisms, and community-based solutions.

Farmed Animals

Farmed Animals

The welfare of farmed animals in Africa is an often-overlooked issue in discussions of animal protection and rights. From factory farming practices to the absence of robust welfare regulations, farmed animals face significant challenges across the continent. We have an opportunity to advocate for stronger protections, promote ethical practices, and encourage sustainable solutions for the welfare of farmed animals.

We advocate for animals and their habitats.

As Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa we advocate for animal welfare and environmental sustainability through legal action and collaboration. We believe the law should work for animals, whether farmed, wild or working, to ensure they are protected. We support collaboration between communities, policymakers, and like-minded organizations to drive positive change for a just and sustainable future.

Help us Safeguard:

Our Approach

Strategic Litigation

Strategic Litigation

Policy and Advocacy

Policy and Advocacy

Science and Research

Science and Research

Legal Assistance

Legal Assistance

News & Articles

Protecting Africa's Great Wildlife Migrations: A Natural and Economic Imperative

Africa's wildlife migrations are among the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth. These migrations face growing threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and infrastructural development. Protecting these migrations is crucial for ecological balance, cultural heritage, and economic sustainability.

Join Us at LAPA: Diverse Professionals Needed to Champion Animal Protection in Africa

At Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa (LAPA), we believe that safeguarding the welfare of animals requires a multidisciplinary approach. We're calling on professionals from all fields to join us in creating a better future for animals, humans, and ecosystems. From engineers to educators, your skills can make a tangible difference.

The Hidden Struggles of Farmed Animals: A Call for Comprehensive Product Certification

Farmed animals endure conditions that many consumers are unaware of. The current certification systems, such as Halal, focus only on slaughter, neglecting critical welfare aspects throughout the animals' lives. This article calls for a comprehensive certification system to ensure better living conditions, ethical practices, and transparency in the food industry.

The Growing Threat of Zoonotic Diseases in Africa: Bridging Policy Gaps to Protect Public Health

Zoonotic diseases, like Ebola and Rift Valley Fever, pose significant public health risks in Africa. The lack of robust zoonotic disease frameworks and the consumption of bushmeat contribute to these threats. This article calls for comprehensive action through surveillance, regulation, and public awareness to mitigate the growing risks of zoonotic outbreaks.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Africa: Protecting Coexistence Amidst Growing Challenges

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) threatens both wildlife conservation and the livelihoods of local communities in Africa. Expanding human populations, habitat fragmentation, and resource competition are key drivers of this issue. Solutions such as community-based approaches, technology, and policy collaboration are necessary to mitigate HWC and protect Africa's iconic species.

The Danger of Ejiao Demand on Africa's Donkeys: A Crisis in the Making

The growing demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine made from donkey hides, is driving the illegal trade and slaughter of donkeys across Africa. This crisis threatens rural livelihoods, ecosystems, and the survival of donkeys. Efforts by the African Union and various countries to address the issue are underway, but stronger enforcement, public awareness, and international cooperation are needed to protect Africa's donkeys and the communities that rely on them.

Africa's Underwater Crisis: Why We Need to Protect Marine Species from IUU Fishing

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is rapidly depleting Africa's marine biodiversity. From accidental bycatch to the endangerment of species like turtles and whales, the crisis is wreaking havoc on ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Countries are taking action, but stronger enforcement, better technologies, and more community involvement are essential to tackle IUU fishing and preserve Africa's oceans for future generations.

CLAWS: Community Legal Aid Workers Bridging the Justice Gap in Conservation

CLAWS (Community Legal Aid Workers) is a grassroots initiative inspired by the community health worker model in Africa, aiming to bridge the justice gap in conservation. By training local community members to become legal advocates, CLAWS ensures wildlife laws are enforced, empowering people to protect natural resources and wildlife in their communities. It's not just about saving animals; it's about creating jobs, enforcing laws, and providing local solutions to global conservation challenges.

Why You Should Join LAPA
January 26, 2025

LAPA (Lawyers for Animal Protection in Africa) is a movement that combines law and conservation to protect Africa's wildlife. Whether you're a law student or a seasoned corporate lawyer, LAPA provides opportunities to use your legal skills in fighting poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat destruction. By volunteering, you become the advocate wildlife desperately needs and contribute to preserving Africa's iconic species like elephants, lions, and rhinos for future generations.

Our Partners

Partner 1
Partner 2
Partner 3
Partner 4
Partner 5
Partner 6
Partner 7
Partner 8
Partner 9
Partner 10
Partner 11
Partner 12
Partner 13
Partner 14
Partner 15