Fanny Minesi is the CEO of the association Les Amis des bonobos du Congo, which works to protect the bonobo, a great ape found exclusively in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), south of the Congo River.
The bonobo is a peaceful primate, known for never killing its own kind. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a gardener of the Congo’s primary forest, its natural habitat.
This protected species is nevertheless threatened by deforestation, armed conflicts in the region, and poaching. The association works in partnership with local communities to preserve both the bonobos and their environment.
In recognition of her commitment to bonobo conservation in Africa, Fanny Minesi received the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa in 2023.