The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

Democratic Republic of the CongoThe Fossey Fund protects an estimated 2,000-3,000 critically endangered Grauer's gorillas and at least 8 other globally threatened large mammals, through managing a 2,400-km2 community conservation forest called Nkuba Conservation Area (NCA). In 2024, the NCA was designated as a Key Biodiversity Area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a global standard for sites that contribute significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity. Hunting remains a significant threat to wildlife, as shown by the more than 2,600 snares that were removed by Fossey Fund staff. To help lessen the communities' dependence on the forest for food and income, the Organization focuses on food security and livelihood initiatives, including fish farming, vegetable gardens, honey production, and sewing training with a particular focus on empowering women. In addition, the Fossey Fund focused on educational outreach, delivering conservation content in primary schools, paying the annual school fees for more than 450 children, delivering conservation messaging through radio programs and providing literary training for women. The Organization also supports the training of early-career Congolese scientists through internships onsite at Nkuba and teaching courses in local universities.