CONTROL THE RISKS AND PROTECT BIODIVERSITY

Protecting biodiversity, natural heritage, the lives of large animals and parks.

©WCS

©WCS

Who we are

FALA is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in biodiversity conservation in areas with significant security challenges. We offer our partners comprehensive and integrated protection solutions, including the fight against environmental crime, securing goods and people in the field, and the management of reputational risk for donors, NGOs and private entities.

As an independent entity, free from any external influence, FALA is committed to actions based on rigorous ethics, in full compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Pragmatic and effective, our work is based on clear, measurable and transparent performance indicators, enabling us to monitor the impact of our actions as effectively as possible.

Our experts, recruited from the most experienced special units, have many years' experience in securing protected areas in Africa. They stand out for their in-depth knowledge of African cultures, particularly in French-speaking regions, and for their ability to interact effectively with the institutional players involved in managing protected areas.

Strategic and tactical support

FALA offers personalised support, in line with the management mandate of its partners and the requirements of the countries concerned. Our intervention includes :

  • Strategic assessment: up-to-date analysis of statistical data, human and material resources, and budgetary and administrative capacities.
  • Operations optimisation: development of monitoring strategies and tactical implementation protocols.
  • Performance monitoring: definition of indicators for the ongoing evaluation of operations.
  • Work organisation: adaptation to the partner's structural capacities.
  • Standardisation of procedures: creation and/or application (if existing) of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Strengthening control: structuring and optimising operations planning and control centres (control rooms).
  • Supervision technologies: integration of advanced solutions such as Earth Ranger, SMART, Spyder Tracker, fleet tracking and satellite tracking of wildlife.
  • Operational infrastructure: design and installation of facilities to facilitate site control and protection.
  • Equipment and consultancy: selection, supply and deployment of the tools needed for conservation missions.

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Training and capacity-building programme for ecoguards

FALA offers personalised support, in line with the management mandate of its partners and the requirements of the countries concerned. Our services include :

01

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Rigorous selection of candidates

  • Transparent, impartial and eliminatory process (15 days minimum), carried out within the protected area
  • Ethical, intellectual, physical and environmental assessment, according to quantifiable criteria in line with international standards.
  • ±20% of candidates selected according to the partner's requirements.
  • Exclusive to FALA: Specific adaptation for the recruitment of professional trackers from communities with strong cultural characteristics (Fulani, Pygmies, Masai, Bushmen, etc.).

02

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General training for eco-guards (3 months)

  • Development of skills to respond to a variety of threats, ranging from simple identity or goods checks to complex defensive action against hostile armed groups.
  • Provision of a printed training and procedures manual or adaptation of partners' existing protocols.

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Training for higher grade (or function) promotion

  • Promotion of experienced ecoguards to command positions.
  • Strengthening the hierarchy, a key element in the success of environmental crime operations.

04

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Specialised training (1 to 2 months)

Advanced modules to enhance ecoguards’ skills, including :

  • First aid in isolated areas
  • Use of technologies (drones, transmissions, data collection)
  • Tactical tracking on patrol
  • Use of technologies (drones, transmissions, data collection)
  • Mine clearance level 1 (possibility of training for higher levels)
  • River and sea navigation
  • Investigations and intelligence in inhabited areas
  • Use of non-lethal incapacitating means

Possibility of adjusting the programme and specialities according to partners' needs.

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Training special intervention units*

  • Demanding selection and intensive training (15-day selection + 3 months training).
  • Based on volunteers, with strict criteria of probity and discipline.
  • Objective: to create a highly qualified intervention force for specialised operations.

* Can only be set up following the 4 previous stages

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Raising awareness and training civilian and expatriate staff

  • Modules dedicated to security crisis management.
  • Improving the ability of senior managers and civilian staff to analyse and react to crisis situations.

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Skills monitoring and assessment

  • Periodic checks to measure the development of skills in each module.
  • Annual assessment (minimum) of each ecoguard, based on the standard operating procedures adopted by the partner and the training followed.
  • Result

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Optimising material resources for safety and training

The effective implementation of conservation strategies and training depends on appropriate equipment. On request, FALA offers an assessment of equipment and supplies quality material, thereby easing the logistical constraints of its partners.

As part of the training, the use of specific equipment from the start of the exercises is essential. An ecoguard must master his equipment during his training to optimise his operational efficiency and limit the risks of mission failure.

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Intelligence and investigation process

As part of a global and coherent approach to security, FALA provides specialist investigators capable of establishing intelligence and investigation structures within protected areas. This highly sensitive mission is carried out in strict compliance with national legal frameworks and applicable international conventions.

In the field of conservation, intelligence is an essential judicial police function, carried out in coordination with the competent authorities. This system is particularly effective in the fight against organised crime networks involved in environmental damage. It also plays a key role in detecting and preventing internal corruption, guaranteeing the integrity of the services responsible for protecting ecosystems.

The effectiveness of enforcement measures rests on two fundamental pillars: credibility and trust. A fair and impartial approach is essential to ensure the support of stakeholders and the sustainability of enforcement actions. The rule of law must therefore prevail: one rule for all, that of the law.

Human rights: "winning hearts and minds

Respect for human rights is a fundamental requirement for any biodiversity protection service. In some regions, where tourism has not yet compensated for the economic losses caused by restrictions on access to resources, the work of ecoguards can be perceived negatively by local populations.

In this context, every agent, ecoguard or management staff member is an ambassador for conservation. Exemplarity and integrity in their actions are the best means of defending wildlife and ensuring that laws are applied ethically. FALA is committed to ensuring the probity of its employees and to promoting a culture of respect for human rights through rigorous training and ongoing awareness-raising.

Drawing on its African expertise, FALA integrates local traditional and religious structures to reinforce its message of respect and inclusion. In addition, strict control mechanisms are put in place:

  • Internal and external intelligence systems for patrols

  • Warning mechanisms for the population

  • Legal conformity of training

  • Traceability of lessons learned

  • Structured dialogue with the moral authorities

Through this approach, FALA guarantees a professional, transparent framework for intervention that respects universal human rights principles.

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