Our success in protecting habitat for Great Apes in Africa depends on creating programs that are controlled and embraced by the local people. The Jane Goodall Institute's community-centered conservation (CCC) programs in Africa empower local people to build sustainable livelihoods while promoting regional conservation goals such as reforestation and ending the illegal commercial bushmeat trade. Started around Gombe in 1994, these programs are rapidly expanding to cover many of the areas where JGI is working in Africa, including the Uganda, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When Dr. Goodall began her famous study of wild chimpanzees at Gombe National Park in 1960, the Park was surrounded by forest on all sides, and the chimps in the study moved freely through the Park boundaries. Today, almost all the surrounding forest is gone, threatening the survival of the chimpanzees and many other species
In 1994, Dr. Goodall launched the TACARE ("Take Care") program as a direct response to this challenge. The program is designed to address poverty and support sustainable livelihoods in villages around Lake Tanganyika while preventing further loss of forest habitat. The project focuses on community socio-economic development and offers training and education in sustainable natural resource management, agriculture and forestry, as well as addressing community health and education needs. TACARE offers an innovative model of a community-centered conservation approach, which effectively addresses human needs while promoting conservation values.
The Jane Goodall Institute Australia has decided to support the work that we do in Africa in two countries, they form part of one of the most important areas to save, as it is a biodiversity hotspot. We decided that we would assist our programs in the DRCongo and the Republic of Congo.
We have collaborated with Zoo’s Victoria in two major areas. Firstly our community-centered work has inspired them to assist us with the following projects for the next 3 years.
We thank Zoos Victoria for their invaluable assistance with our work in Africa.
Secondly, Dr Jane Goodall launched the mobile recycling program in October 2008 and since then, with Zoos Victoria we have been able to raise over $60,000. Half that money has come to JGI Australia, and we have sent this to assist our Park Rangers who are risking their lives to protect not only the Great Apes, but also all the other species that are suffering under the illegal now commercial bushmeat trade.
How You Can Help - Mobile Phone Recycling
JGI Australia also supports one of our micro financing programs in Uganda.
Recycled paper beads are hand crafted by groups of Ugandan women - financed by micro credit grants through the Jane Goodall Institute Canada, these necklaces make a unique purchase or gift. Each necklace sold provides economic alternatives to those who formerly supported their families through poaching, deforestation and over harvesting of natural resources.
Support this project and purchase these beautiful beads from our online store.
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