Country/Region: North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo)
Partner: Bolivia
The Andean Carnivore Conservation Programme (ACCP) is dedicated to protecting the endangered Andean bear and the rapidly disappearing Inter-Andean dry forest (IADF) in Bolivia. This biodiverse ecosystem, home to both wildlife and some of Bolivia’s poorest communities, faces threats from habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change. The Andean bear, a flagship species for conservation, is vulnerable due to habitat loss and retaliatory killings linked to livestock predation.
Since its launch in 2016, ACCP has made significant progress, drastically reducing bear killings and promoting habitat restoration. The programme focuses on empowering local communities to act as stewards of the environment by fostering sustainable livelihoods, reducing livestock-related impacts, and promoting peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
By 2026, ACCP aims to restore 1’000 km² of habitat, secure critical wildlife corridors, and replicate its conservation approach in new regions. In partnership with Chester Zoo and local and international partners, ACCP is driving community-based conservation, linking biodiversity protection to poverty reduction while ensuring long-term ecological and social resilience.
