Zenbird Editorial TeamNPO Terra Renaissance has partnered with Yasuda Sangyo Co., Ltd. to collect used mobile phones across four zoos in Japan as part of an effort to address conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and protect endangered gorillas. The program, dubbed “Cell Phones for Congo,” aims to raise funds to help communities affected by ongoing conflicts in the DRC, where control of rare minerals used in smartphones has fueled decades of violence.
For each phone donated, ¥30 will be directed to Terra Renaissance’s support programs in the DRC, which provide vocational training and self-sufficiency support for conflict survivors. With World Gorilla Day on September 24 serving as the backdrop, the collection campaign has garnered support from Ueno Zoo, Chiba Zoological Park, Japan Monkey Centre, and Kyoto City Zoo.
Since 1998, more than 5.4 million people have died as a result of conflicts in the DRC. These wars are often fueled by competition over the control of natural resources, including rare metals such as coltan and cobalt, essential components in the production of smartphones and other IT devices. The prolonged conflict has left millions in poverty, with their lives and livelihoods at constant risk.
In response to the international implications of the conflict, the OECD introduced the “Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas” in 2010. This has led to stricter regulations globally regarding the procurement of minerals from the DRC and other conflict regions.
Terra Renaissance emphasized the kind of impact the intiative can make. “By collecting and recycling smartphones, we are not only supporting the people of the Congo but also contributing to the conservation of gorillas, whose numbers are declining due to deforestation and habitat destruction,” a representative shared. “We hope to inspire changes in awareness and behavior across industries, particularly those involved in mineral extraction, to build peace for all living beings.”
In 2023, the campaign collected 2,272 phones, with funds supporting Terra Renaissance’s ongoing work in the DRC. The organization hopes to surpass those numbers in this year’s drive, which will continue through December. The collaboration has attracted significant media attention, helping to shed light on the often-overlooked connection between consumer electronics and global conflicts.
Collection boxes is available at the following zoos:
- Ueno Zoo: Until December 28, 2024
- Chiba Zoological Park: Permanent placement
- Japan Monkey Centre: Permanent placement
- Kyoto City Zoo: Permanent placement
