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Habitat loss and degradation (e.g., deforestation) and wildlife decline and extinction continue at an unprecedented rate around the world. Today less than 30% of the planet remains wild and a million species could face extinction. Last April, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon exceeded 1,000 square kilometers, the highest total since 2008 and roughly twice the level of April 2021.
Our work for preserving and restoring nature diversity is therefore more important than ever. Nature-based initiatives, such as planting mangroves, revitalizing wetlands, or protecting rainforest have proven effective in making communities more resilient to climate change. But international funding has shortchanged such solutions in favor of more costly and less efficient engineering projects. We need to focus on nature solutions to protect animals and better address climate change. To have a chance to stabilize our climate, we must protect and restore nature.
Endangered Species International (ESI) conjointly with the local communities, is leading the way in the creation and the co-management of strong and effective natural protected areas around the tropics preserving countless acres of rainforests, savannas, coral reefs and over 240 endangered species. Each day, protecting what remains and restoring what we have lost are the core of our field work.
Photo on the right: ESI Congo team and women from local community working together to protect rainforest.
Photo on the left: ESI conducting patrols and wildlife protection.
A great illustration of our long-term effort in preserving what remains and restoring what we have lost, is our project in Congo to preserve a colossal area of rainforest. There, we are working hand-in-hand with indigenous tribes and local communities to create a vital protected area of 231,043 acres (93,300 hectares) in the Kouilou region of the Republic of Congo. The area is composed of a channel of mountains with low sloping hills and savannas and a unique network of wetlands. This vast rainforest is home of many endangered species like western gorillas, chimpanzees or Jaco parrots. It is inhabited by about 1,500 people and 23 tribal groups. The area is threatened by future mining and logging projects, so its protection is urgent. The two major tribal groups are the Yombé and Vili. With your generous support, we can create a major protected area, a paradise for wildlife and humans.
Endangered Species International is a U.S.-based, international organization, and a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Your donations are tax deductible under U.S. laws.
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