David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) works with our conservation partners on the frontline, the Chimpanzee Conservation Center (CCC) in Guinea, who provide vital rescue, rehabilitation, and release programmes for illegally trafficked chimps in High Niger National Park.
Creating opportunities for communities that avoid exploiting forest habitats.
Education campaigns and media with pro-chimpanzee messaging
Mission of getting rescued and orphan chimpanzees back into the wild.
The CCC also lead a highly successful education programme which reaches over 600 Guinean children a year, engaging some of the poorest and most marginalised communities on the edges of the park. The children learn about the importance of protecting the chimpanzees and their habitat, but just as importantly, gain important literacy skills and are given access to a level of teaching and resources which far exceeds what would be available to them otherwise. Education programmes are provided for adults too, including workshops on environmental topics which take place in communities. These messages are further reinforced by the project’s environmentally themed radio show and by billboards promoting pro-chimpanzee messaging that are erected in local villages.
Vital to protecting the chimps’ habitat is stopping destructive practices such as deforestation. But local people rely on the forest for firewood, for food, and for access to wild honey. To solve this problem, our partners on the ground have developed several livelihood programs, such as honey-making and gardening projects, reducing the need for the community to exploit the forest. We also support reforestation and river-clean-up projects which has helped improve water quality for villagers and reduce flooding. These initiatives, alongside several alternative livelihood programs for women in the community, have resulted in improved community relations, a greater appreciation for the chimps, and a reduced impact on the forest.
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You can support our work to save chimpanzees from extinction by donating today.
