ABOUT IPPE

Initiative for Progress and Environmental Protection (IPPE) is a Congolese-led nonprofit that promotes veganism, animal welfare, and environmental protection.

Since 2014, we have worked across North Kivu to strengthen plant-based food systems and provide emergency care for animals affected by war. Our work connects people's health and livelihoods with the protection of nature and animals.

OUR APPROACH

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, ongoing conflict has intensified food insecurity and displaced both people and animals. Many families struggle to afford food, and countless animals have been abandoned or injured. Lasting animal protection depends on addressing these challenges. 

We show how plant-based diets can improve nutrition and reduce costs for families, while providing direct care for animals and protecting local ecosystems, even in challenging circumstances.

OUR EVOLUTION

Our timeline shows how we learned what works in Congo:

2014-2015: Environmental Protection

We reforested areas in Masisi territory to protect forests damaged by war and combat global warming, desertification, and natural disasters like landslides and erosions.

2016-2019: Food Security and Education

We distributed indigenous seeds to reduce hunger caused by ongoing war, created the CPN (Know and Protect Nature) club, and conducted environmental and wildlife protection education in schools near Virunga National Park, including events on World Great Apes Day.

2018-2019: Community Gardens

We installed permaculture vegetable gardens in Masisi/Buabo and initiated agroforestry projects in schools in Nyiragongo territory.

2020-2023: Expanded Food Autonomy

We implemented community garden projects for plant-based food autonomy in households and extended cultivation of artemisia to fight malaria across North Kivu province.

2023: Vegan Education Launch

We launched vegan education and awareness programs in schools and communities to promote the importance of plant-based eating.

2024: Animal Emergency Aid

We began providing emergency veterinary care for animals injured and displaced by war, and raised community awareness on harmonious cohabitation with animals.

OUR TEAM

Founder and Executive Director Justin Lumoo Paluku leads a team of 8 founding members and 4 volunteers. Our board brings expertise in agriculture, education, and community organizing, ensuring our vegan advocacy resonates with Congolese communities while achieving real outcomes for animals.

  • Justin Lumoo Paluku

    Founder and Executive Director

  • André Tumaini

    Chairman of the Board

  • Balame Jean de Dieu

    Secretary

  • Kahindo Rosette

    Treasurer

  • Amani Kabanda

    Advisor

  • Paluku Simon

    Advisor

  • Claudine Luanda

    Advisor

  • Shukuru Kyahi

    Advisor

WHY SUPPORT IPPE

We're locally led:

Our Congolese team designs programs that work within local realities and culture.

Our impact is preventative:

We work to stop factory farming before it expands in DRC, protecting communities from future harm.

We're one of the few responding:

IPPE is among the few organizations providing emergency veterinary care for animals in war conditions, while simultaneously addressing food insecurity through plant-based systems.

We're culturally aligned:

We strengthen existing plant-based practices rather than importing foreign ideas.

Our model works:

Families are growing their own food, schools are running garden programs, and animals are receiving care every year.