Saving Gorillas in Africa: Dian Fossey’s Legacy in Active Conservation

Investigative writer Georgianne Nienaber provides insights on the obstacles to saving Africa’s gorilla habitats.

Orlando, Florida (PRWEB) May 11, 2006 –- The conservation legacy of Dr. Dian Fossey struggles to live on, more than 20 years after the mysterious death of the famous primatologist. Investigative reporter and author Georgianne Nienaber believes that through active conservation, the true legacy of Fossey’s work can continue.

Fossey’s work to save the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is well-documented but after her death, continued conservation efforts and practices on behalf of big international non-governmental organizations (BINGOs) are open to discussion. According to Nienaber, “There is no one who has worked in gorilla conservation since Dian was alive, who possesses her charisma, dedication and unimpeachable honesty.” In addition, writings from Dian show that she wanted all financial contributions to her Digit Fund to be completely legal, down to the cost of a postage stamp. Nienaber said, “This is a far cry from the state of wildlife conservation today, which has recently come under much scrutiny in the media and scholarly circles.”

Nienaber’s book, “Gorilla Dreams: The Legacy of Dian Fossey” imagines a world in which Fossey and the slain gorilla, Digit, are able to review her life and work. Honoring the African belief that the dead live on in spiritual form, “Gorilla Dreams” documents every fact about Fossey’s life and questions the obstacles to achieving Fossey’s dream of active conservation. Fossey wanted to see donations funneled directly into the preservation of habitat, anti-poaching efforts and support of indigenous communities.

“Today, conservation organizations are reaping a windfall of government, foundation and corporate monetary support, while some programs have been tainted by conflicts of interest in the third world,” said Nienaber.

About Georgianne Nienaber
Georgianne Nienaber is an investigative journalist and political activist based in rural northern Minnesota. With more than 30 years of experience, Nienaber’s work has appeared across the world, including her column for the Rwandan “New Times.” Her work has been highlighted in The United Nations Publication, “A Civil Society Observer,” AllAfrica.com and Zimbabwe’s “The Daily Mirror.” She is also author of the fiction expose, “Horse Sense,” which examines insurance fraud in the horse industry.

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