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The bonobo habitat also encompasses a human landscape, thus effective conservation requires the involvement and leadership of the local population. The extreme poverty in the Equateur region inhibits effective conservation program development, as it is the underlying factor leading to many threats to bonobos. As a consequence, the local people,  even those supportive of conservation goals, cannot function efficiently when basic needs are not met. We have found that even minimal livelihood support for CBR partners that addresses basic needs and provides opportunities has a major impact.
BCI and local partners have established conservation centers affiliated with bonobo community-based reserves now being established in key areas of the bonobo habitat. These include housing, training paillots, generators, storage facilities, and more. These centers provide for CBR leadership meetings, education and training programs, community outreach, housing for visiting researchers and conservationists, and temporary housing for traveling community representatives
 Three community conservation centers and research camps have been built in Kokolopori in the three focal villages of Yalokole, Yetee and Yotemankele. To date, more than 14 buildings, paillots, woodworking shops and training centers have been constructed. In addition, five more buildings have just been constructed for the Bonobo Health Clinic we plan to establish. The majority of the investment for building has come from the community.
The Kokolopori area is very remote, with an infrastructure that is seriously degraded. It is accessible by the Maringa River, or by road from Djolu, which does have an airstrip; however, the roads are in terrible condition. BCI has provided means of transport, such as bicycles, outboard motors, pirogues and motorcycles. Land cruisers are forthcoming to support management and transport of goods to market. Other essential supplies include generators and solar panels for electricity, survey equipment and supplies for field teams, agricultural and woodworking tools, and communications equipment. Before BCI installed an  HF radio at Kokolopori and provided a satellite phone to Vie Sauvage, the only means of long-distance communication was talking drums. In a region devastated by war, the provision of an HF radio was perceived as a godsend.
Supporting these programs at the bonobo conservation centers will:
- Provide much need revenues to the local population and build capacity for programs to be self-sustaining.
- Strengthen community relations and highlight the importance and empowering nature of conservation.
- Attract a broader range of community participants to an important venue for conservation education and awareness.
- Build upon infrastructure in place for cost effective programs.
- Enhance the Bonobo Reserve Associations’ leadership role while responding to their needs for more broad-based livelihood support.
- Address gender issues by empowering women’s’ associations and promoting their involvement and leadership in the communities.
PLease join us in supporting these conservation centers:
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