Geographical location of the programme

The mountain gorilla's afromontane forest habitat straddles the shared borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Afromontane forest occurs at high altitude in mountainous terrain, usually in deep, steep-sided valleys and gorges. The afromontane forests of the Albertine Rift are one of Africa's centres of endemism, forming a vital refuge for many unique species of mammals, birds, butterflies and plants. They also serve as a crucial source of rainfall and help to reduce soil erosion in the region.

The map illustrates why IGCP places great emphasis on promoting regional collaboration at all levels, in order to ensure that the three countries work together to protect and conserve this area (see Our work).