Endangered Great Ape Finds Safe Haven(sential support for community developmen...),Health

Jose Endundo, the DRC Minister of the Environment, who officially declared the new reserve, said, "We are proud to support this innovative, community-driven initiative, which protects a vital rainforest and rare and endemic species, including the bonobo and Salongo monkey (Cercopithecus dryas), now being studied for the first time in Kokolopori. The Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve is aiding the local human population with means of sustainable economic development, education and opportunities, while also contributing to our country's commitment to protect 15 percent of our national lands. I salute the leadership of Vie Sauvage and BCI and thank the many partners who have made this nature reserve a success and model for other communities to follow."

The Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the survival of the endangered bonobo (Pan paniscus) and its rainforest habitat in the Congo Basin. BCI works with indigenous Congolese people through cooperative conservation and community development programs and with the government of the DRC to establish new protected areas and to safeguard bonobos wherever they are found. BCI was selected as a featured charity in the Catalogue for Philanthropy, for excellence, innovation, and cost-effectiveness.

http://www.bonobo.org