Swarovski Gorilla Auction to Raise Funds for WWF Projects
Swarovksi is turning the spotlight on endangered species and has teamed with WWF to raise funds for mountain gorilla conservation in Africa and protection of Australia's unique wetlands in the Swan Coastal plains. The fund raising will be by auction of a special edition figurine inspired by the gorilla, one of WWF's international flagship species.
Adimu Gorilla
A special Pointiage gorilla, named Adimu, has been produced by Swarovski to raise funds and awareness around the world. Adimu, which means "rare" in Swahili, is a hand-crafted piece featuring over 14,000 crystal chatons in jet and jet hematite. As rare as the gorilla species it represents, only 33 pieces exist in the world. Click here for more on Swarovski's gorilla annual edition 2009
Fund Raising Beneficiary Projects
All auction proceeds will be donated to WWF and distributed evenly between two projects.
Swan Coastal Plains
Australia's south west ecoregion is one of 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world, containing the highest concentration of rare and endangered species in Australia. More than 4,000 species of native plants and 100 native mammals, birds, frogs and reptiles are found there, making the region a biodiversity "hotspot". Much of this biodiversity is contained within wetlands systems, as well as an estimated 80% of the region's threatened ecological communities.
WWF is working with landowners and community groups to encourage long-term management and biodiversity conservation, by increasing community and landowners' appreciation of the value of wetlands, and by working with local landowners to undertake wetlands conservation on their own properties. This preservation work will in turn support the survival of Australia’s magnificent unique flora and fauna. Much of the region’s riches in unique wildlife are still undiscovered, meaning that preservation will allow future generations to benefit from this treasure trove of nature.
Mountain Gorillas in the Green Heart of Africa
Drawing on over 40 years of experience in great ape conservation in Africa, WWF’s mountain gorilla conservation contributes to local livelihoods around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. While mountain gorillas are Critically Endangered, the mountain gorilla population has increased by 100 in the past sixteen years.
In collaboration with other groups, WWF has involved local communities in conservation initiatives.
Local people can access protected forests for plants used in natural medicinal remedies, sustainable harvest forest plants for weaving and place bee hives in the forest for a naturally renewable food source.
Importantly, local communities benefit from jobs in park management and tourism, and from sharing revenue from park visitors who come to see the gorillas. These projects have multiple benefits for local communities.
WWF continues to work with local communities and authorities to collect data about the gorillas to ensure the best scientific knowledge can be brought to bear on management projects to preserve mountain gorillas, the gentle giants of the forest.
