Beginning in 2000, The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International initiated a program of community-based conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has now expanded to include a unique eco-region of some 26,000 square miles. We work with a series of community-based reserves and national parks in the area, which are home to nearly the entire range of the Grauer's gorilla (formerly known as the eastern lowland gorilla) and to many other rare, important species, such as forest elephant, okapi, and eastern chimpanzee.
Due to years of political instability, agricultural expansion, mining, poor economic conditions and other factors, conservation in the area has become critical and DFGFI has committed to helping provide long-term solutions. We operate in Congo in conjunction with Conservation International (through a USAID agreement and through other funds), and with other partners. In addition to our extensive "people programs" in the area, we are also heavily involved in conservation and science activities here.
