Grauer's gorillas have experienced a significant decline in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Analysis of survey data in 2016 revealed a 77% decrease in population between the mid-1990s and 2016. Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) and contiguous community reserves are identified as critical habitats for this emblematic subspecies (Plumptre et al., 2021). The conservation of Grauer's gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is highly complex. It faces a series of security, environmental and socio-economic challenges. Grauer's gorilla populations inhabiting in this region face several threats including poaching, deforestation, human-borne diseases, mining, exploitation of non-timber forest products, and the collection of plant parts for traditional medicine and food. These threats are due in part to demographic growth and to rising poverty levels in the villages surrounding Grauer’s gorilla habitats in eastern DRC. Studies conducted on diet of great apes (gorilla and chimpanzee) at Kahuzi-Biega National Park (e.g. Basabose 2002, Yamagiwa and Basabose, 2006) have inspired Primate Expertise (a Congolese NGO dedicated to non-human primates research and conservation) to develop non-destructive approach aiming to reduce anthropogenic pressure on the ape habitats.

These approaches include restoration of degraded areas using seeds collected from ape dungs (Ape trees approach), popularizing the cultivation of indigenous medicinal plant species, supporting community subsistence through small-scale livestock farming coupled with permaculture, biomonitoring and applied research. 

This suggested symposium aims to present to the international scientific community the impact of Primate Expertise’s approach in Community-based Grauer's Gorilla Conservation. 

More specifically, the symposium will focus on the following objectives: 

(1) Present the Ape trees project and medicinal plants approach and their impact on the restoration of degraded areas, 

(2) Demonstrate the importance of involving local communities in biomonitoring using camera traps at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, 

(3) Show the importance of supporting local communities with sustainable livelihood in Grauer’s Gorilla conservation. 

(4) Demonstrate the value of involving local schoolchildren in the conservation of biodiversity.

Biodiversity conservation is a global issue worldwide, requiring involvement of all conservation practitioners at all levels. Through our presentations, attendees will learn more about our innovative approaches including Ape trees, local community involvement in camera trapping program and how we contribute to addressing conservation challenges around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.