'Save our Apes' DRC funding plea

The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a worldwide appeal for funds to save its gorillas from extinction. Home to three of the world's great apes, the DRC says economic decline and poverty

"We need money," insists environment minister Henri Dojombo. "It is poverty in the first place that leads to poaching."

He says a five-year, $2bn protection and environmental management plan for 11 countries is failing because of a lack of funding, and that another way must be found to save not only the gorillas, but also the chimpanzees and bonobo pygmy chimps that live there. The UN reckons that 90% of the great ape habitat in Africa will be wiped out in 30 years unless drastic action is taken.