British prime minister Gordon Brown unveiled a new initiative that aims to conserve the Congro rainforest. The U.K. and Norway contributed a total of USD210.6 million towards the new Congo Basin Forest Fund, which will invest in a new satellite monitoring system that could offer a detailed view of the deforestation rate in the region. “The Congo Basin Forest Fund is a joint response to a global problem whereby an innovative and consensual mechanism has been embraced. It involves various partners committed to preserve and protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, the Congo Basin rainforest,” Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai said. “Thanks to the vision of Heads of State of Central Africa and the leadership of the UK Government, which is the first country to commit funds, the dream of the Congo Basin fund has become a reality.” (Press release: Gordon Brown launches fund to save Congo rainforest with GBP58 million from UK/UK Department for International Development)
