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Latest news Three Countries Unite to Conserve Mountain Gorillas.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda have formally launched a 10-year transboundary initiative to conserve the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and their habitats. Only 720 mountain gorillas remain, and all dwell in the forested mountain range that spans the three countries. Through the initiative, the three countries will work together to strengthen and harmonize their conservation policies and laws and leverage their resources to reduce threats to the gorillas. The announced plan is the culmination of years of collaboration between the countries’ wildlife and parks authorities supported by key partners, including the International Gorilla Conservation (IGCP)—a coalition of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Fauna and Flora International, and the Worldwide Fund for Nature. IGCP also helped to secure $6 million in funding from the Dutch government for the first four years of the 10-year program. “This initiative begins a new chapter in what has been a long and committed effort by all the agencies involved,” says Eugène Rutagarama, Director of IGCP and Director of AWF’s Virunga Heartland. “From here, strategic steps to coordinate and harmonize efforts among the three countries are sure to benefit both the mountain gorilla population and the communities that live alongside them.” The transboundary program will focus on improving wildlife and park security, reducing encroachment on forest habitats, sharing and leveraging regional resources, and ensuring that gorilla conservation revenues help to alleviate poverty. The announcement should further highlight the plight of the endangered great ape, which captured international headlines last year after 10 mountain gorillas were mysteriously killed and political violence forced many rangers to flee their posts. In the aftermath of the gorilla killings, IGCP provided support to the local wildlife and parks authorities and helped provide assistance to rangers in the form of humanitarian assistance (food, medicine, and shelter), equipment, patrol rations, training, and interim salary support. Please make a donation to support IGCP's vital work.
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