From Sally Coxe in Asheville, NC

Dear Friends & Supporters, 

While the Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI) maintains a small office in Washington, DC, I moved back to my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina during the COVID 19 pandemic. I have been very happy to be back in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains where I grew up—and where I developed a deep and abiding love for nature. As you must know, Asheville has been devastated by floods, landslides, and cataclysmic damage from torrential rains and the gale forces of Hurricane Helene. Our community has never endured such devastation in all of recorded history.

Flooding and fallen trees near Sally's Asheville home

Although trees fell around my house, the bridge on my driveway washed out, and I remain without power, running water, cell phone access, or internet, I have been incredibly lucky compared with others. A friend lent me an old Land Rover Defender—the kind we drive in Congo—which has enabled me to get to a place where I can communicate and send this message. It's been heartwarming to witness how neighbors and community members are pulling together to help each other in this crisis. I am laughing at myself because I lack survival gear here—like water filters and camp stove fuel—which is essential kit in Congo! (At least I've got my headlight.) I left all the gear over there...and I could really use it now. 

Joking aside, I want to let you know that I am OK—and that my commitment to protecting bonobos and the Congo forest is redoubled by this experience. Such cataclysmic weather events are only becoming more frequent and more punishing, due to human-caused climate change. The Congo rainforest is a huge part of the life-support system of our planet—and we absolutely MUST protect it. 

The bonobo habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) still remains some of the most remote and least disturbed rainforest on Earth; however, it is under increasing threat. This means that the work we have been doing to grow and sustain the Bonobo Peace Forest for the past 25 years is even more important now. 

Sally waves from her borrowed Land Rover, which has helped her to get access to communications and supplies in Asheville

I want to personally thank you for all you do to support BCI and our local partners in the bonobo habitat. Every positive act and contribution—no matter the size—really makes a difference. 

Asheville was previously considered a “climate haven”—resistant to the ravages of climate change. Hurricane Helene has proven that we are all at risk. It is urgent that we act now to protect our planet and our future.

Thank you so much for your support.

Sincerely, 

Sally Jewell Coxe
President 

P.S. If you’d like to learn more about our work in the Congo rainforest, please watch my TEDx Asheville talk.