Latest News From BCI

Prticipatory mapping is underway in Lingomo, Nkokolombo, and Likongo! Obtaining accurate maps is a critical step on the road to achieving official protection.

Enjoy a slideshow of this year’s activities in the Bonobo Peace Forest!

We are thrilled to announce that The Nature Conservancy is partnering with BCI to help preserve a critical region within the bonobo habitat. With The Nature Conservancy’s generous support, we are taking major steps toward establishing official protection of the Lilungu forest and preparing for long-term, sustainable financing through REDD+, in cooperation with local communities.

We have some news that’s sure to put a smile on your face—there are new baby bonobos in the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve! In the Kokoalongo bonobo group, Kidjo gave birth in December and PJ in February. There’s also a new baby in the Ekalakala group, born to Violette. All mothers and juveniles are reportedly doing very well.

One of the major challenges of working in the bonobo habitat is delivering equipment and supplies to remote areas of the Congo rainforest. The pandemic made already complicated logistics even harder as travel, resources, and supply chains were constrained. We are delighted to report that perseverance wins the day once again!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to SumOfUs for their successful fundraising campaign! Their community raised an amazing $45,000 to support our programs in the Bonobo Peace Forest. Launched in 2011, SumOfUs is a global community that uses the power of online tools to run campaigns that mobilize millions of people to take action to make social change.

Dear Friends, In this pivotal moment, let's be inspired by the bonobos. Let's be loving, cooperative, generous, and kind. By helping them survive, we are helping protect the future of all life on Earth.

We are thrilled to report that, after two years away due to COVID-19 restrictions, BCI President Sally Jewell Coxe made a return trip to Kinshasa! As grateful as we are for all the technologies that keep our global team connected, there's nothing quite like being together in person.

We believe that effective solutions address humanitarian and environmental needs simultaneously. We've been working hard this year to refine our programs and chart a course for a great 2022. Highlights include:

The Congo rainforest—the only home of the bonobos—is the second largest rainforest on Earth. It is instrumental in keeping carbon out of our atmosphere, protecting water sources, and maintaining healthy weather patterns. The international community is taking notice of this irreplaceable resource. At the Glasgow Climate Conference (COP26), member nations pledged to create a fund to protect the Congo Basin and to combat deforestation.