The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada officially confirmed its adherence to the cooperation framework of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP).

Toronto (Canada), July 7^th 2011 – The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGI) officially confirmed its adherence to the CBFP initiative. The JGI Canada is committed to abide by the principles of sustainable management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa. To this effect, the JGI Canada agrees to the principles of sustainable management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa, to work closely following the cooperation framework of the CBFP partners and commits itself to support the implementation of the COMIFAC convergence plan.

“By becoming a member of the CBFP, we are hoping to improve our effectiveness and increase our impact in the Congo Basin, in collaboration with our local and international partners. We aim to protect these African forests, preserve their biodiversity and to increase human wellbeing”- Writes Dr Jane Lawton, Executive Director of the Institut.

One component of JGI Canada’s mission is to contribute to the preservation of great apes and their habitats, by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in local communities. The two projects, in which the JGI Canada is involved in the Congo Basin, cover several strategic areas of the COMIFAC Convergence Plan.

For the past five years, JGI Canada has been funding a project located in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Maiko-Tayna-Kahuzi Biega CARPE landscape, focusing its efforts on livelihood activities and health programs. This project is part of a larger integrated project managed by a coalition of international and local organizations working under the umbrella of the Central African Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE).

To further address the significant needs of these communities in the DRC, and to protect the rich biodiversity of the two National Parks surrounding them, JGI Canada has developed an integrated project that will focus on the following:

♦ Rehabilitating/building and equipping schools, training teachers

♦ Expanding environmental education and outreach activities

♦ Supporting protein replacement activities (fish farming, zero grazing livestock management) that reduce the demand for bush meat, while increasing local incomes and food security

♦ Training farmers to improve agricultural productivity and livestock management

♦ Establishing tree nurseries and introducing agroforestry

♦ Training and supporting community development groups to sustainably manage their resources

In the Republic of Congo, JGI Canada has been providing funding to the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Natural Reserve, in order to implement the development of a community-centered conservation program in the villages surrounding the sanctuary and the reserve. Sensitization to the bush meat trade is one of our main focuses. We are also supporting the development of environmental education and outreach activities amongst local youth, through the Roots & Shoots youth action program.

The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada is an international non-profit organization which encourages people to make a difference for all human being. The institute was established in Montreal, Quebec in 1994. Since its creation, the JGI Canada is involved in Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation with the objective to ensure the survival of great apes populations through their conservation activities centered on communities in Africa. The JGI also inspires a new generation of committed citizens all over the world.

 Welcome to our new member, The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada! 

For further information, please visit The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada website