Mountain Gorilla

Working with ICCN

In collaboration with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), WWF has supported:

© Kate Holt / WWF-UK

• Conservation initiatives including environmental awareness and education initiatives
• Promotion of sustainable livelihoods, reforestation projects, as well as equipping and paying salaries for Virunga National Park staff.
• In 2002, WWF provided additional funding to increase the numbers, duration and coverage of anti-poaching patrols in Volcanoes National Park, leading to the arrest of poachers and a drastic reduction in poaching.

Joint Initiative

Formed in 1991, the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), a joint initiative of AWF (African Wildlife Foundation), FFI (Flora and Fauna International) and WWF, works on a number of priorities. A ranger-based monitoring system has been established to continuously collect and analyze data on the gorillas and their habitat. The information is fed to park authorities in DRC, Rwanda and Uganda and has helped focus management and conservation activities to specifically address the threats faced by mountain gorillas.

Local people at tree nursery, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
© Frederick J. WEYERHAEUSER / WWF-Canon

An important aspect of IGCP’s work is to strengthen links with the local communities who live alongside mountain gorillas and to develop sustainable tourism based on viewing the gorillas. The success of these conservation measures was revealed by a recent survey which found that mountain gorilla numbers in the Virunga Mountains have increased by 17% over the past 14 years, to 380. IGCP and WWF are also actively working in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, the only other habitat for mountain gorillas.