In Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the Gorilla Defenders work tirelessly to protect mountain gorillas, one of our closest relatives, from threats such as poaching and conflicts with local communities. With a population that was once on the brink of extinction, the Gorilla Defenders play a crucial role in ensuring the survival of these endangered animals. One key aspect of their work is managing human-gorilla conflicts through the HUGO program, which has successfully prevented around 90% of conflicts by peacefully guiding gorillas back into the forest.

To support the Gorilla Defenders, the organization Viva! has launched a long-term program to equip, train, and support the teams safeguarding mountain gorillas. By providing essential equipment such as high-quality clothing, boots, tents, and field kits, Viva! is ensuring that these frontline volunteers can continue their important work effectively. Moving forward, the focus is on equipping Gorilla Trackers with necessary tools for monitoring habituated gorilla groups and enhancing skills in gorilla behavior understanding, conflict prevention, and community engagement to strengthen protection for gorillas and improve the safety and effectiveness of the work on the frontline.