Gorillas face extinction in all the areas of Africa where they exist.

Thus, the forests are decimated by the mines, and wildlife are killed or traded illegally to support the mining activities. This includes gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and many other species.Ĭongolese and international law make the killing, capture or trade in gorillas illegal, but in this environment such laws are not currently enforceable. To feed these people, wildlife is hunted from the surrounding forests. In addition, mining has had a devastating impact on the incredible biodiversity of this region.Įach mine, whether legally operated or not, involves a set-up in the forest that requires not only destruction of the land to unearth the minerals, but numerous people to operate the mining sites. Disputes over the control of these mines has contributed to one of the worst humanitarian crises since World War II more than 5 million people have died in eastern Congo since the mid-1990s. This has led to the creation of numerous mines throughout gorilla habitats, many of which are operated illegally and involve some sort of corruption somewhere along the supply chain. The loss of this rule deeply threatens their already delicate future and could lead to the final destruction of critical forests, in addition to fostering the long-time suffering of human communities in this area.Ĭongo is also, however, very rich in natural resources, especially minerals like gold, as well as columbite-tantalite – also called “coltan” – which is used in making electronic gadgets. The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to critically endangered gorillas and other important species. This rule is a part of the Dodd Frank act and is critical to maintaining conservation efforts in certain parts of the world, especially some of the areas where gorillas live, such as the Congo basin. Tara Stoinski, president and CEO/chief scientist, the Dian Fossey Gorilla FundĮveryone who cares about gorillas and other endangered wildlife should be concerned about current activities by the SEC, which are beginning to undermine corporate obligations and enforcement of the “Conflict Minerals” disclosure rule.

Dian fossey gorilla fund ceo