Just over 700 mountain gorillas remain in the world today. Two isolated populations survive, one in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, south-west Uganda, and the other on the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, straddling the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Through the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) Fauna & Flora International is ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures and their shrinking afro-montane forest habitat.
Working with the protected area authorities of the three respective countries. IGCP is the only programme covering the mountain gorillas’ entire range and integrating all aspects of their conservation. It helps to protect and monitor the gorillas, provides training and support for park staff and advises the governments on environmental policy and legislation.
By linking conservation to local livelihoods, IGCP ensures that local people and communities benefit from the continuing presence of mountain gorillas. Rural development activities promote sustainable use of natural resources, e.g. beekeeping, cultivation of medicinal plants, mushroom production. Responsible gorilla-based tourism provides a valuable source of revenue as well as enabling spin-off activities that benefit local communities. For example, construction of a buffalo wall around the boundaries of the parks has reduced human-wildlife conflict and protected farmers’ crops
IGCP has been extremely successful in raising awareness of mountain gorillas in the international arena and at national and local community levels.
To find out more, visit the International Gorilla Conservation Programme website.
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