Get Involved In World Wildlife Day 3rd March 2015

Wildlife crime is a growing epidemic, affecting not only the areas in which the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) carries out its work, but almost every corner of the globe. Illegal poaching, mining, logging and habitat destruction are responsible for the decline not only in great ape populations but for countless endangered species edging toward extinction.On 3^rd March the world will celebrate the United Nations’ World Wildlife Day ... a day on which people are asked to reflect on the incredible, biologically-diverse planet that we share with millions of other species of plants and animals. At the same time, World Wildlife Day is an occasion where we remember, “the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.”For our part, JGI is committed to fighting wildlife crime in the Congo-Basin in a myriad of different ways by;

• Educating local communities - JGI provides schools located near chimpanzee habitat areas with educational materials aimed at cultivating a respect for the forest and teaching how families can benefit by protecting local habitats and wildlife.
• Providing sanctuary - Chimpanzees captured by poachers are often sold into the illegal exotic pet trade. JGI’s Tchimpounga sanctuary gives law enforcement officials the support they need to safely confiscate these young, vulnerable chimps. And elsewhere, JGI’s strong partnerships with other sanctuaries also help when there is a need.
• Contributing to habitat safety - JGI trains and employs local community members to patrol several forested areas, places where not only chimpanzees are found but also gorillas, elephants, and many other endangered species. JGI even employs former poachers in our Snare Removal programme … using local knowledge to destroy as many illegal snares as possible while providing people with an alternative, environmentally friendly livelihood.

Help JGI fight wildlife crime and support our other life saving programmes by donating today!Take A Stand Against Wildlife CrimeEvery single supporter of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and Roots & Shoots is passionate about the conservation of the wonderful and varied wildlife found across our planet … and on World Wildlife Day on 3^rd March 2015, we want you to prove it!This World Wildlife Day, take a stand against wildlife crime by taking a selfie with one of these posters and posting the selfie to your social media accounts with the hashtag #SeriousAboutWildlifeCrime.Speak out for the animals that can’t speak for themselves, and help spread this powerful message!Post your Wildlife projects on the Roots & Shoots website, and support the programme’s work by donating here.Thank you!!The Roots & Shoots Team