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Message: Someone thought you might be interested in this entry at Exquisite Safaris. http://www.exquisitesafaris.com/index.php/journal/more/cooperation_creates_prosperity_mountain_gorillas_of_uganda_rwanda_and_congo/ Cooperation Creates Prosperity: Mountain Gorillas of Uganda Rwanda and Congo Three countries have come together for the first time, to try to save the mountain gorillas of central Africa. Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have launched a project to improve their security. It aims to profit share with local communities money made from gorilla-trekking permits. One of the world's most endangered species, they live at the point where the three countries meet. There are only about 700 mountain gorillas still left in the world and they have been hit by the destruction of the forests -their natural habitat. The volcanic Virunga Mountains that straddle Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the heartland of these great apes. A census carried out in 2004 estimated that 380 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world's population, lived in the Virunga national park and surrounding region. More than 300 also live in southwest Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest reserve.Last July, five gorillas were killed -shot dead execution style -inside the Virunga national park. More recently, rebel forces loyal to the dissident Congolese general Laurent Nkunda, took over large areas of the park, forcing out the rangers and leaving the gorillas vulnerable to poachers. For the first time, the three countries have decided to protect the great apes which are threatened with extinction Moses Mapesa, Uganda Wildlife Authority.The BBC's Sarah Grainger in Kampala says the wildlife authorities of all three countries are well aware of how important the gorillas are as they represent an important revenue earner. Tourists pay $500 each for a permit to track the animals, raising $5m annually for the three countries. The 10-year conservation project, which was launched in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, is to focus on greater security and ways of discouraging local communities from destroying the region's forests. Learn More: Collaboration creates Prosperity: Philanthropic Travel Harvard Business Review Entrepreneurship in the Social Sector: Philanthropic Travel Exquisite Safaris Corporate Donor Philanthropic Advisory Services Creative Capitalism: Partner with Exquisite Safaris The High-Purpose Company: Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide Exquisite Safaris clients say... Travel Connoisseur Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel Worldwide US Air Magazine on Exquisite Safaris Philanthropic Travel: Travel with a Heart My First Philanthropic Travel Experience The Fable of Stone Soup Understanding Philanthropic Travel Are We Talking about Philanthropy Yet? No, We Are Not Travel Philanthropy: Creating Peace Fast Company Magazine on Philanthropic Travel PersonalLifemedia.com on Philanthropic Travel Philanthropic Traveler funded High School opens near Victoria Falls, Zambia Philanthropic Travelers: The The One's Who Do: Visionary Philanthropic Travelers Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Marc Gold 100 Friends Project Visionary Philanthropic Traveler Chellie Kew Milton & Fred Ochieng: Philanthropic Travelers Jane Kaye- Bailey: Philanthropic Traveler Richard Branson: Philanthropic Traveler Angelina Jolie: Philanthropic Traveler Oprah Winfrey: Philanthropic Traveler Palm Beach Life Magazine: Philanthropic Travelers BBC NEWS Exquisite Safaris www.exquisitesafaris.com