Gorillas and mobile phones are not often associated with each other but unbeknownst to many people the humble mobile phone is having a dramatic impact on the survival of Gorillas and many other primates in West Africa.
It's what inside the mobile phone that's the problem: coltan. Coltan is a metallic ore and its illegal mining in West Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is leading to an alarming decrease in Gorilla and other primate habitat.
As the land is cleared for mining of coltan, roads are paved which expose the once protected Gorilla populations to poaching, and many fall victim to the bush meat trade.
In Kahuzi Biega National Park, it is estimated that more than fifty percent of the mountain Gorilla population has been lost, leaving the species on the brink of extinction in this park.
While this is a serious environmental issue, it is also one that most people can do something about. It only requires a small action; recycling your old or unwanted mobile phones. This will help lessen the demand for coltan and, if enough people recycle their phones, can help ease the pressure on Gorillas and other primates in West Africa.
This is why Melbourne Zoo has partnered with Aussie Recycling to create the mobile phone recycling campaign, They’re Calling On You! You can download a postage paid label from the website www.zoo.org.au/ or drop off your phone to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary or Werribee Open Range Zoo.
The program works like this, Aussie Recycling donate a portion of the proceeds generated through the resale of refurbished mobile phones to Melbourne Zoo. 50% of this donation supports Melbourne Zoo’s Conservation work and the remaining 50% is donated to the Jane Goodall Institute to enhance their in-situ conservation programs in Africa.
The program was launched in October last year by Jane Goodall and since then the Zoo has received about 1,000 phones per month. Melbourne Zoo is now calling on the community to help increase that number. With 2009 being the International Year of the Gorilla it’s perfect time for individuals, schools, families and businesses to get behind this important initiative that can help save Gorillas.
Source URL:
http://www.zoo.org.au/Calling_on_You
Australian News
Submitted by JacquieO
03/03/2009
3
Join PureGreen to vote for your favourite story!