Bonobo Conservation Initiative - Make College an Option for 70 Congo (DRC) Students

Address

Bonobo Conservation Initiative
2701 Connecticut Ave., NW #702
Washington, DC 20008
United States
202-332-1014
http://www.bonobo.org

Mission

BCI’s mission is to promote conservation of the bonobo (Pan paniscus), the most endangered of the six great ape species, and its tropical forest habitat in the Congo River Basin. Our goals are to create a unified international conservation effort for bonobos and their habitat, build capacity of Congolese partner organizations, support education, health and sustainable livelihood development in indigenous communities, and promote individual actions to protect the planet’s resources.

Programs

BCI conducts biological surveys to assess bonobo distribution and threats; establishes protected areas in Community-Based Reserves; negotiates agreements to convert logging concessions to conservation; supports education, training, sustainable development and agricultural productivity through the Djolu Technical College and other Congolese institutions; addresses the livelihood and humanitarian needs of local people; and raises public awareness both in the DRC and internationally.

Personnel Overview

Albert Lotana Lokasola - President, Vie Sauvage
Founder of Djolu Technical College, Vie Sauvage and the Community-Based Reserve Project, Mr. Lokasola is a native of the Kokolopori indigenous community, 50 miles from Djolu, and former Secretary General of the DRC Red Cross. He has expertise in traditional forestry, a B.S. in Chemistry, and in 11/08 will complete a second B.S. degree in Ecology and Wildlife Management from Kisangani University.

Sally Jewell Coxe - President, Bonobo Conservation Initiative
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate in psychology from Williams College, Ms. Coxe works to unite, motivate and empower the Congolese government, NGOs and communities to protect bonobos and the rainforests in which they live. Her work has resulted in agreements to protect over 11,000 square miles of Congo’s rainforests that are key to the survival of bonobos, the people who live there, and our planet.

Personnel Statistics

Sally Coxe, President
Founded in 1998
Employees: 26
Volunteers: 40