UNEP/CMS: UN Year of the Gorilla in 2009

The plight of gorillas in danger was brought home to millions through hundreds
of Year of the Gorilla articles, interviews, lectures, conferences and films last year – more than through
any similar global species campaign. In addition, the UN Year of the Gorilla 2009, generated €
100,000 for field projects to prevent critically endangered gorilla species from going extinct. The
educational and awareness raising campaign was led by the UNEP Convention on the Conservation
of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS). Member states to the Convention, members of the
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP),
conservation bodies, individuals at grass root level and online donations helped to raise these funds.

Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP/CMS Executive Secretary said: “With the support of innovative gorilla
projects the UN Year of the Gorilla has created a permanent legacy. Conserving gorillas not only helps
safeguarding their habitat, which is shared by us, but it also addresses the major challenges of climate
change and poverty.” Read onThe plight of gorillas in danger was brought home to millions through hundreds
of Year of the Gorilla articles, interviews, lectures, conferences and films last year – more than through
any similar global species campaign. In addition, the UN Year of the Gorilla 2009, generated €
100,000 for field projects to prevent critically endangered gorilla species from going extinct. The
educational and awareness raising campaign was led by the UNEP Convention on the Conservation
of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS). Member states to the Convention, members of the
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP),
conservation bodies, individuals at grass root level and online donations helped to raise these funds.

Elizabeth Mrema, UNEP/CMS Executive Secretary said: “With the support of innovative gorilla
projects the UN Year of the Gorilla has created a permanent legacy. Conserving gorillas not only helps
safeguarding their habitat, which is shared by us, but it also addresses the major challenges of climate
change and poverty.” Read on