CORRECTION

Oops! We made a mistake in our last email saying pygmy hippos live in the reserve. Common hippos, which are classified as vulnerable to extinction, do live in the reserve, but pygmy hippos do not. Here is a photo of a hippo seen on one of our cameras at night in Ekolo ya Bonobo!

You helped us emerge stronger at Ekolo ya Bonobo Reserve

Improving Protection

You upgraded security in the reserve.

Because of you...

-- We hired additional forest guards from local villages, bringing the total to 27. 

-- Forest Guards received extensive training in judicial processes and participatory conservation ethics. They are now able to make arrests. This reduced the need for ICCN eco-guards from elsewhere in DRC.

-- Four of the new guards are female. Local women enter the forest frequently for activities such as gathering caterpillars and it is important for patrol teams to include female guards.

Ekolo forest guards received certificates after completing training through the Office of Judicial Police.

Alpha Wutedji, at center, was the first female guard hired.

You helped strengthen relationships

You improved communications and helped build more environmental education in the areas around Ekolo, an important approach to avoiding serious conflicts in the future.

Because of you...

-- Thirty-one shows were broadcast on the three local radio stations. On several shows partners from the Baenga and Lisafa communities discussed their involvement in the project. One broadcast featured the local prosecutor explaining endangered species protections.

Other topics covered were how to avoid human-bonobo encounters, legal and illegal fishing techniques, and other protected species in the reserve, such as hippos.

-- Meetings were held to air concerns and develop joint solutions, attended by local communities, ABC staff, and provincial authorities.

Frequent dialogue with national environmental authorities and media in DR Congo have also been crucial to the rebuilding process.

Hippos are among the many species protected along with bonobos at Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve.

Our General Director Fanny Minesi (center left) met with the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Ève Bazaiba (center, right) and other officials to discuss the Ekolo project.

Because of you...

Our team in Congo has also begun rebuilding forest guard houses that were burned down, facilities at Elonda Camp (the staff, visitor and research center), and the bonobo platforms and structures on Totaka Island - where bonobos live semi-wild for months in quarantine before joining the others in Ekolo to live fully wild.

There's still more to accomplish but because of your enduring understanding and support, we're confident and optimistic about the future of Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve!

From all of us at Friends of Bonobos and Amis des Bonobo du Congo... Thank you!

Committed to Good Stewardship

Friends of Bonobos is recognized for efficient and effective use of funds.

SHOP