The POLE POLE FOUNDATION (POPOF) is a Non-Governmental Organization created in 1992 by workers in and around the Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is officially recognized by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN), a governmental agency. Pole Pole (pronounced poe-lay poe-lay) is taken from Swahili, meaning slow and steady.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of the POLE POLE FOUNDATION is the long term protection and conservation of the wildlife in Kahuzi Biega National Park, particularly the eastern lowland gorilla, through reduction of human pressure on its natural resources and wildlife by involving and supporting communities in the vicinity of the park. This area of the Congo is the last remaining habitat of the eastern lowland gorilla and other wildlife species.

APPROACH
"Empty stomachs have no ears" is an expression used by people in the area. Since many in these communities are poor and jobless, preventing exploitation of the park must begin with income creation and meeting basic human needs, followed by environmental education and sensitization to the importance of the natural resources of the park.

ACTIVITIES
Despite years of war in the Great Lakes Region, and in the DRC in particular, the POLE POLE FOUNDATION continues to develop initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of people in the area and enlisting the local population in actively protecting natural resources. Projects include reforestation, environmental education, and most significantly, job-creation to provide income to families that formerly relied on poaching and foraging in the park as a means of survival.

SUPPORT
During the war it was not always possible for funds to reach Pole Pole but the group continued to do what it could. Now with increasing stability in the region, we are able to get funds to this fine grassroots organization quickly and securely.

Please give generously to help with their work.