Help Congo

The vision is for "HELP Congo to be recognized as a vital partner for biodiversity conservation in the Conkouati-Douli National Park". The mission describes HELP Congo's approach to achieving its vision. "With chimpanzees as our flagship species, HELP Congo's mission is to protect and promote the importance of Conkouati-Douli National Park’sunique ecosystem and biodiversity." This mission is based on the following objectives: - Improve knowledge on the biodiversity of the park. - Protect chimpanzees as a chosen medium for the protection of the unique and threatened ecosystems of Conkouati-Douli National Park. - Promote actions to protect ecosystems and their biodiversity. -Establish strong partnerships (park manager, conservationists, other biodiversity protection associations, local communities, privateactors) to achieve effective conservation results. - Promote knowledge and professional practice in conservation. - Support and generate scientific research opportunities. - Disseminate knowledge to change behavior towards environmental awareness. - Develop an eco-tourism andenvironmental education program. - Develop actions in favor of local communities. HELP Congo is established in Pointe-Noire and in Conkouati-Douli National Park, a coastal park on the border of Republic of Congo and Gabon. Its surface is about 505 000 ha, which 350 000 ha consist of forest and savannas. 26 villages are located in the park eco-development zone, i.e. 8 000 people. HELP Congo’s main camp is 135 km from Pointe Noire, i.e. 4h30 by 4x4. HELP Congo has a second scientific camp in the fully protected area of the park. They are many target species among the high biodiversity of the park. Some examples are chimpanzees, African manatees, leopards, forest elephants, gorillas, hornbills and many other birds (Conkouati-Douli National Park is considered as a hotspot for birdlife),leatherback turtles, 3 species of crocodiles.