Community Development

Community Development

The root cause of the bushmeat trade is extreme poverty.​ We work with communities living near bonobos to build a better future through conservation instead of the bushmeat trade. 

People-oriented conservation

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The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the poorest nations in the world. In the area around Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve, people lack access to basic necessities like food, education, and health care. ​Bonobos are primarily killed for bushmeat – for food. To save bonobos, we must address community development and socio-economic needs.

From decades of rainforest conservation work around the world, we have learned that comprehensive, lasting change depends on local leadership and community engagement. ​Investing in the communities of Ekolo ya Bonobo not only supports people and bonobos, it also supports many other species, the rainforest, and the planet.

“Through your participation in the conservation of the bonobos, you not only protect them, you also contribute to the environmental, social, and economic development of the only country in the world where bonobos are found — the DRC.” – Fanny Minesi, General Director, Les Amis des Bonobos du Congo

Improving Lives & Opportunities

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In Education

  • School Buildings
  • Supplies – benches, desks, notebooks
  • Conservation education materials

In Economic Development

  • Ecotourism
  • Jobs – 97% of our employees are Congolese
  • Agriculture Workshops – Best practices for crops and livestock   

In Health

  • Dental Clinics
  • Women’s birthing center equipment
  • Medications for pharmacy

In Infrastructure

  • New community building
  • Medical clinic with electricity 

Protecting Bonobos & the Rainforest

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Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve is a public-private partnership (similar to a land trust) between the Province of Équateur, Friends of Bonobos, and local communities. With rainforest habitat in decline, reserves like Ekolo ya Bonobo are critical for ensuring that wild animals have a safe place to live.

A lush, green view from a boat of a fishing village near Ekola ya Bonobo Community Reserve in DR Congo.

Local residents are critical partners in this conservation work. They protect and manage the forest and its resources to benefit both people and wildlife, guided by the belief that:

“Bonobos are the only 100% Congolese ape. We are proud to contribute to their protection.”

A bonobo wades to pick a water lily to eat showing how wild bonobos forage for food.

You can provide education, health, and economic well-being for the guardians of this bonobo rainforest reserve.

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