Silverbackers: Mobile Game In Support Of Gorillas/DRC Crisis
2008-04-14 09:12:57 | Viewed 1249 times
A new mobile game has been launched by Kiwanja.net, in a bid to raise awareness about the decline of mountain gorillas due to the crisis in Congo DR and help players learn about gorilla conservation generally.
As you may know, these are critical times for the world’s mountain gorilla population, with increased fighting and rebel activity in the DRC. According to the Gorilla Diaries, published on the BBC News Online website:
“earlier [last] year, armed men entered the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park and killed five critically endangered mountain gorillas at point-blank range, leaving the bodies where they fell. To date, 10 gorillas have been killed by gunmen or poachers, and two of the great apes are still missing”.
As a result the rangers had to withdraw from the park altogether, leaving little protection for the gorilla population against poachers and rebel attack. Troubles continue today, with people being displaced, human suffering increasing, and unbearable pressure being put on the local environment, which also happens to be the last refuge for the majority of the remaining mountain gorilla population.
Four years ago, as part of a project called wildlive! run by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) (with Vodafone funding), Ken Banks (founder of kiwanja.net) was involved in the development of a gorilla conservation game for mobile phones. Called “Silverback”, the game promotes understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain gorilla population and was extremely well received in the mobile press, as well as in the non-profit sector. The game was sold to mobile owners and income used to help gorilla conservation. About three years ago the wildlive! project ended, and the game sat on a virtual shelf, gathering virtual dust.
After becoming increasingly aware of the escalating conflict last October, Ken Banks decided that the time was right for “Silverback” to be resurrected. It can once again play a potentially significantly valuable role in creating public awareness of the plight of the gorillas, and raise much needed funds to help those in the field putting themselves at great risk to protect them. Thinking through what would need to be done to bring the game back to life, Ken Banks realised that he knew enough people to make it happen relatively easily and for little cost.
In order to avoid potential issues with technical support and finances, Ken Banks followed the Radiohead example and allow people access to the game first, after which they can then decide how much (or if) they want to donate, with a minimum of £5 ($10) suggested. If the game doesn’t download or work for some reason, they can then choose whether or not to give. Donations are given through the FFI website.
The website for the game is at http://www.silverbackers.org
About Ken Banks
Ken Banks, founder of kiwanja.net, specialises in the application of mobile technology for positive social and environmental change in the developing world. He combines over 22 years in I.T. with over 14 years experience living and working throughout Africa in countries including Kenya, Nigeria (where he ran a primate sanctuary), South Africa, Mozambique, Cameroon, Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. In 1999 he graduated from Sussex University with honours in Social Anthropology with Development Studies.
About kiwanja.net
Since 2003, kiwanja.net has been helping local, national and international non-profit organisations make better use of information and communications technology in their work. Specialising in the application of mobile technology, it provides a wide range of ICT-related services drawing on over 22 years experience of its founder, Ken Banks. Non-profits in over forty countries have so far benefited from a range of kiwanja initiatives, including FrontlineSMS and nGOmobile.
About Silverbackers
Silverbackers is a collaboration between kiwanja.net (project management and concept), Fauna & Flora International (global conservation organisation) and Masabi (mobile software development)
Enquiries about the game can be directed to Ken Banks via the kiwanja.net website.
About Fauna & Flora International
Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world's oldest international conservation body and has played a key role in establishing much of today's global conservation infrastructure. Founded in 1903, FFI is one of the few organisations whose remit is to protect the entire spectrum of endangered plant and animal species on the planet. FFI supports conservation initiatives throughout the world, in the form of partnerships, technical assistance, direct funding and consultancy. It works with local, national and international partners in over 60 countries.
About Masabi
Masabi designs and builds secure applications for mobile phones. The company is the leading developer of transactional software for the constrained environments of today’s mass market mobile handsets. It also has world leading experts in the fields of mobile usability and security across all devices. Based in London, UK since 2001, Masabi is wholly self-owned and self-funded.
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