Only 700 mountain gorillas are still alive on the planet, almost all of which live within the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. For the first time, these three countries have joined forces to help ensure the survival of these animals. The gorillas have been facing dwindling numbers for years. Problems with their population stems everywhere from poaching to urban expansion to local villages use of the rainforest woods.
This cooperation for the safety of gorillas follows the execution style killings of 5 gorillas in the Virunga national park that borders all three nations. The killings brought about global discussion on the issues inside the national park. The gorillas are extremely important to the countries because of the tourist revenue they bring in. Tourist tracking trips make around $5 million dollars between the nations annually. This project will last 10 years and increase security in the park to stop poachers. Virunga will also be helping local citizens understand the problem and encourage them to stop destroying the rainforests in the area.
I’m glad something is being done. The problems with the Congo’s gorillas have been getting nothing but worse. I hope the project can actually help these nations strengthen the gorillas’ numbers and build their environment back. However, as much as I support the project I am skeptical of the reasons behind it. The article mentions nothing about actual conservationists’ reasons for the project only economic. I worry that the gorillas’ area may become somewhat of a zoo, constantly filled with tourists. I also worry that the fact that part of the revenues from gorilla watching treks go to the organization may lead to zoo like conditions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7254357.stm
Picture of executed gorillas
2 comments:
I'm glad you did this article and posted a picture to actually show the impact of this article. I think this is awful that it is happening and i believe something definitly should be done !!
With only 700 of the species left in the world, the death of five is a horrible blow. Though I am glad that the three nations are trying to come together on this, I wonder if these efforts are not to late...
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