The Secretariat of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) wishes to endorse and offer its full support for the Great Apes Survival Project. As a partner of the United Nations Environment Programme’s initiative CMS is particularly responsible for the Mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei). This species has been listed on the Convention’s Appendix I ever since the Convention was concluded in 1979, in recognition of this species’ endangered conservation status. Two Resolutions of the Conference of the Parties to CMS -- COP5 in 1997 and COP6 in 1999 -- have called for urgent action to be taken to protect Gorillas throughout their range.

Two of the so-called Range States of the Mountain gorilla are Parties to the Convention - the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, which joined CMS in 1990 and 2000 respectively. They have committed themselves under Article III of the Convention to endeavour to:

a. conserve and, where feasible and appropriate, restore those habitats of the species which are of importance in removing the species from danger of extinction;

b. prevent, remove, compensate for or minimize, ... , the adverse effects of activities or obstacles that seriously impede or prevent the migration of the species; and

c. ... prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger the species, .. .

It is hoped that both the CMS Parties DR Congo and Uganda as well as Rwanda, not yet a member of the CMS family, will take advantage of the legislative framework offered by the Convention on Migratory Species and, now, through the new dynamic offered by GRASP, to engage in concerted, collaborative actions to stabilise and bolster the remaining populations of Mountain gorillas, which are a magnificent symbol of Africa’s rich natural heritage.

Attempts to concentrate resources and efforts in a comprehensive project to improve the status of the Great apes, especially the Mountain Gorilla, are to be welcomed, particularly where broad, strategic coalitions are formed to address a wide range of issues. Indeed, the multi-dimensional nature of the threats to the survival of these marvellous animals makes this co-operative action indispensable. The Convention on Migratory Species, through its Scientific Council and Secretariat, and the political backing of its member States, stands ready to play an active role in this compelling initiative.