The Virunga-Bwindi Transboundary Strategic Plan: A Pathway to Regional Mountain Gorilla Conservation

Powerpoint by Mr. Eugene Rutagarama, Director, International Gorilla Conservation Program entitled, "The Virunga-Bwindi Transboundary Strategic Plan: A Pathway to Regional Mountain Gorilla Conservation" presented at African Wildlife Foundation on 19 September 2005.

Mr. Rutagarama discussed the challenges of, and opportunities for, enhanced regional mountain gorilla conservation efforts, including the recent formalization of a transboundary strategic plan for mountain gorilla conservation in the Virunga-Bwindi region of Central Africa.

             

The International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), a unique coalition of three international conservation NGOs-- African Wildlife Foundation, Fauna and Flora International and World Wide Fund for Nature --was formed in 1991 to ensure the long-term conservation of the mountain gorilla and its regional afromontane and high altitude forest habitat.  It emphasizes a holistic approach to conservation, with activities focusing on species and habitat protection, effective monitoring of conservation and socio-economic targets, transboundary collaboration in conservation efforts, working with local communities and linking rural development with conservation objectives, and strengthening policy for sustainable environmental management.