On Earth Day, the charity ‘African Conservation Foundation’ is proud to announce the launch of its bold NFT project aimed at raising funds for the protection of Cross River gorillas. These magnificent gorillas are the rarest on the planet and one of the world’s most critically endangered species, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild. Hunting and the loss of their forest habitat due to human activities is a major threat to their survival.

The African Conservation Foundation is working to address this crisis by creating protected areas and corridors, whilst also training rangers in monitoring and conservation techniques. With the funds raised from the NFT project, the Foundation will be able to continue its critical work and help ensure the survival of the Cross River gorillas for future generations to enjoy. However, the funds will not only be used to help this special species survive, they will also be used by the charity for general conservation purposes, so donations will be helping animals across the world!

The NFT project will feature a series of 8,001 unique, one-of-a-kind digital art pieces inspired by the Cross River gorillas, African Wild Dogs, and the Okapi. Unlike other NFT projects, the majority of the proceeds will go directly to support the African Conservation Foundation’s work. There will only be 300 Cross River Gorillas for sale to reflect the scarce number left in the wild. 

MILLION DOLLAR NFT

One of the Cross River gorilla NFTs will be sold for a million dollars, offering the buyer a once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari experience, which will be documented in a feature film about the journey. However, purchasers won’t have to spend a million to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Within the Cross River Gorilla collection of 300, there will be 5 randomly assigned NFTs which grant the holder access to a free expedition in Africa (excluding flights) to aid the charity’s work.

“We are thrilled to launch this NFT project on World Wildlife Day and raise awareness for the Cross River gorillas” said Arend de Haas, Executive Director of the African Conservation Foundation. “With the support of the art and NFT community, we hope to raise over $1.2m to preserve the habitats of the incredibly rare Cross River gorillas and secure their future for generations to come.”

NFTs are increasingly being seen as valuable collectibles in the art world, and this project showcases the potential for NFTs to make a significant impact in the world of conservation. Web3 projects have already helped raise funds for conservation initiatives around the world, and this project adds to that momentum, using the power of blockchain technology to help protect endangered species and their habitats.

With only 300 of these magnificent apes left in the world, there are literally more Bored Ape Yacht Club owners than these gorillas – let’s work together to save apes outside the metaverse.

The novel approach to charity fundraising is being delivered in conjunction with web3 start-up ‘We Are Meta’. Henry Eames, MD We Are Meta, “Speaking to the ACF and hearing the urgent need for action we couldn’t help but try this new approach to fundraising.” “We can’t wait to see who will get the Million Dollar Gorilla, but there are thousands of other NFTs starting from just a few dollars. This mission needs support from as many people as possible.”

The NFT project will be available for purchase starting on Earth Day – April 22, and interested parties can learn more and view the available pieces at https://www.300gorillas.com/ today.

ENDS

About The African Conservation Foundation 

The African Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and conservation of Africa’s wildlife and its habitats. The Foundation works in close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other organisations to implement effective and sustainable conservation programs.

For more information about the African Conservation Foundation and its work, visit https://africanconservation.org/.

Contact

Henry Eames, Managing Director of We Are Meta
+44 (0)7515 380002
Henry@wearemeta.business

Or 

Arend De Haas, Director of the African Conservation Foundation
arend@africanconservation.org

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Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: logging, poaching, overexploitation and deforestation linked with forest to farm conversion. Changes like these have triggered habitat loss, climate change, soil erosion and landslides. Animal species are disappearing at such unprecedented rate that scientists have labelled the current era ‘Earth’s sixth mass extinction’. In south west Cameroon, one of the most diverse areas in Africa, we are witnessing dramatic population declines and local extinctions of charismatic animals such as Cross River gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants.

To preserve biodiversity in south west Cameroon we need methods effective in monitoring animal population status, thus allowing the development of conservation strategies. This is particularly urgent during this period of multiple crises, such as the corona crisis and Anglophone crisis. Since 2017, there is a conflict in the south west regions of Cameroon, part of the long-standing Anglophone problem.

Instead of researchers setting out camera-traps in the rainforest, local Community Rangers are being trained and employed to carry out activities. 30 Community Rangers from several villages have been equipped with camera-traps and GPS units. The Community Rangers have been selected by the Forest Village Committees themselves.

Training sessions were organised by the African Conservation Foundation and its local partner Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF). Team members explained camtrap research and handling procedures. The basic camera trap anatomy was explained and each participant was getting familiar with battery and memory card placement. The training included a presentation on the objectives of camera trapping, choosing a suitable location for the camera trap, camera trap set-up, camera location, camera spacing in the field, camera trap height, distance of camera trap to animal trail, vegetation clearing around camera trap.

Also, research procedures, the monitoring intervals and checking camera‐traps and data exchange were explained. The training included the hands-on testing and demonstrating the new knowledge in the field.

Each image captures a moment frozen in time as the animals move through their wild habitat. We are using the camera trap data to collect information about population status and to address conservation issues, creating solutions that allow humans and wild animals to coexist in the same areas.

The programme has captured some incredible wildlife so far, including Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees, red river hogs, squirrels and small antelopes. Red river hogs are a wild member of the pig family living in Africa, with most of its distribution in the Guinean and Congolian rainforests. The Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee is recognised as the most threatened and least distributed of all the chimpanzee subspecies, and without successful conservation actions, there is a high risk of extinction in the coming decades.

The elusive and critically endangered Cross River gorillas share the same habitat as the chimpanzees. Currently only 2050-300 individuals survive in subpopulations across the Nigerian and Cameroonian border region. They inhabit inaccessible areas such as the steep slopes of the Lebialem highlands.

By maintaining a presence in wildlife conservation through Community Rangers, it was possible to continue monitoring wildlife populations and rainforest habitat, with some challenges and delays as the situation allowed. The projects partners currently work across all the areas they worked in prior to the Anglophone crisis, which also allows us to assist displaced people.

Our Community Camera Trapping activities have been highly successful, directly engaging and training Community Rangers in wildlife monitoring in protected areas and Community Forests, while connecting conservation efforts with community development goals. The programme supports self-governance and local capacity building. With your help, we will be able to expand this programme to other communities and protected areas in west central Africa. Donate now or visit our project website for more information.

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