About Us

Our aim: the conservation of gorillas and their habitats

No gorillas without forest

Gorillas need the rain forest. Their habitat has been reduced and fragmented dramatically. We want to prevent the further destruction of the forest, particularly in those locations where only small areas of forest are left. In addition, we support the demarcation of reserve boundaries and the afforestation of cleared areas with local tree species.

Support of the gorilla protectors

Rangers ensure the survival of the gorillas. We provide support to the rangers in the protected areas, for example by supplying equipment. In critical situations, for example during war, we also try to keep contact to the gorilla protectors and provide support during emergencies.

Cooperation with the local population

We consider it important that the local population accepts the protected areas and benefits from them. We therefore support projects that raise the awareness of the local population of the significance of protected areas and the consequences of hunting and deforestation. Whenever possible, we cooperate with local organisations.

Direct aid

Our work is financed by donations and members' contributions. As we work on a honorary basis, very little of our funds is spent for administration. We do not follow a rigid approach: we make decisions on an individual basis, in a fast and un-bureaucratic manner, appropriate to individual conditions and requirements. Our assistant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is in constant contact with the local projects.

Raising awareness

Another important goal is raising the general public’s awareness of the problems of gorilla conservation, the changing situation in habitat countries and our work. We are doing this through the internet, our newsletter Gorilla Journal as well as presentations and information booths.

What does B&RD want to achieve?

B&RD focuses on the survival of gorilla populations that are particularly at risk. For this purpose, we support forest conservation and the protection of gorillas. However, the gorillas' survival can only be ensured in the long-term if we succeed in finding a balance between the needs of the human population and the required nature conservation measures. We want to contribute to achieving this balance.

For how long has B&RD been operating?

Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe e. V. (Mountain Gorilla and Rainforest Direct Aid) was established in 1984. Initially, the organisation was called "Berggorilla Patenschaft", but this name was subsequently changed.

What is the organisational structure of B&RD?

The B&RD Board of Directors is composed of three members – all working on a honorary basis – with the same status. The Board is supported by active members who volunteered to help with various activities such as web design, shipping, editing the Gorilla Journal, translating, and the staffing of information booths during events.

How many members does B&RD have?

The association has around 400 members. Most members reside in Germany; the remainder are mostly Swiss and Austrian.

How is B&RD financed?

The work of the organisation is funded exclusively from membership fees and donations . B&RD is recognized as a charitable organisation by the Tax Office of Muelheim/Ruhr, Germany.

Financial Balance | Create infographics

Income 2012 | Create infographics

What is the money used for?

Neither the Board members nor other active members are paid for their work; we have no office for which we need to pay rent. The majority of our expenditure is direct financial support for gorilla conservation projects. A smaller part of B&RD’s income is used for the production of information material. B&RD’s accounting, including income and expenditures, is published annually in the Gorilla Journal .

Expenses 2012 | Create infographics

Projects Expenses 2012 | Infographics

Where does B&RD work?

Currently, B&RD supports projects in the geographical range of the eastern gorillas (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda) and in the range of the Cross River gorillas (Nigeria and Cameroon). Occasionally, B&RD has provided urgently needed support to projects for the protection of western lowland gorillas.

Does B&RD have local contacts?

B&RD cooperates through contact persons in the concerned countries – either staff of national authorities or other organisations. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries B&RD's assistant keeps in contact with the various projects.

How does B&RD differ from other organisations?

B&RD does not implement its own projects but instead supports gorilla conservation activities carried out by other organisations. In particular, we help out when something that was not budgeted for is urgently needed, or if our cooperation partners recommend activities that they cannot finance from their own funds. We work directly and without attendant bureaucracy – as a result, much is achieved even with small amounts of money.

How can I support B&RD activities?

You can support B&RD by donating money or by becoming a member. Your membership fee includes a subscription to the Gorilla Journal. Should you wish actively to assist our activities, you can do that, too!