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Because many populations of gorilla are trans-boundary, the
UNEP Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species
of Wild Animals (CMS) lists gorillas.
In an effort to help preserve the remaining gorilla populations,
CMS, in conjunction with GRASP, developed a legally binding
agreement, which was negotiated in 2007 and entered into
force in 2008. It provides a legal framework that will reinforce
and integrate conservation efforts.
Action Plans for the four subspecies of gorillas and their habi-
tats were agreed at the first Meeting of Parties to the Gorilla
Agreement in November 2008.
The agreement aims to consolidate efforts of national and
international, governmental and non-governmental organisa-
tions working for gorilla conservation. Activities include:
GORILLA CONSERVATION AT THE
INTERGOVERNMENTAL LEVEL
Wildlife law enforcement efforts
Anti-poaching campaigns
Reforestation
Development of eco-tourism
Community development projects in the regions bordering
the areas protected for gorilla conservation
Programmes of reintroduction of orphaned gorillas into the wild.
CMS itself is a GRASP partner and its main contribution in
the coming years will be to facilitate the implementation of the
Agreement and Action Plans.
The Gorilla Agreement, as well as the activities derived from its
Action Plans, will contribute to promoting the long-term surviv-
al of gorillas, their forest habitat and dependent human popula-
tions. This should in turn help the States concerned to combine
conservation and sustainable economic development.
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