Did you know that to date, there are only 880 mountain gorilla’s remaining on our planet? A number that although has risen encouragingly from around 250 since 1978, still presents a threat and means that these beautiful beasts are classed as critically endangered.
Sir David Attenborough was the man who first drew our attention to the worrying situation all those years ago and this month he has returned to an issue close to his heart, to join with Indiegogo.com and Fauna & Flora International for his first ever crowdfunding campaign. The campaign and video, aims to raise £110,000 by the 11th of December in order to increase the number of mountain Gorillas to 1,001 by 2018. Currently standing at £12, 565, the number is on the increase but if they are to reach their target in just over 30 days, they need all the help they can get – that’s where you can help.
Fauna & Flora International protect over 40 of the worlds threatened species and habitats. Their specific interest in the Mountain Gorilla cause was first initiated in 1978 at the request of their vice-president Sir David Attenborough and subsequently caused the formation of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme. Since then they have continue to develop relationships between communities across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo and enable these communities to benefit and protect the species that many of their livelihoods depend on.
The recent global campaign is hosted by Indiegogo.com, which is the original crowdfunding site that launched in 2008. Using the internet, Indiegogo.com brings individuals together in order to support everything from charity campaigns to entrepreneur projects and political ventures enabling people from all over the world to fund and support the issues that really matter to them, democratising the way important projects gain funding.
David Attenborough’s plea for this species’ protection which came 20 years ago was reiterated when he spoke at Westminster last month, stating, “If we are to ensure the survival of mountain gorillas, it is vital that the global community supports our efforts…By supporting this campaign and promoting it through your networks, you will not only be helping to secure a future for mountain gorillas, but also the tens of thousands of Rwandan, Ugandan and Congolese people who have come to depend upon them for their livelihoods and wellbeing.”
Those who support the campaign will help Fauna & Flora International accomplish three fundamental tasks, reduce poaching by 50% by 2016, ensure 780sqkm of gorilla habitat remains intact by 2016 and finally achieve the goal of 1001 mountain gorillas in the wild by 2018. Donators will also receive a number of surprise gifts before the deadline of the 11th of December, to say thank you.
If you would like to show your support for the Mountain Gorilla today, share this link http://igg.me/at/gorillas and join the #1001gorillas challenge.
The post Sir David Attenborough Needs You! appeared first on HUNGER TV.