March 16, 2017
SEC Action Chairman Michael S. Piwowar
Dear SEC Action Chairman Piwowar,
The Great Apes are under threat everywhere and humane people are deeply concerned that governments are not paying enough attention to this serious problem. Extinction of the Grauer Gorilla due to bush meat provision and habitat loss, would be a tragedy. I endorse all that follows.
As a supporter of the Wildlife Conservation Society, I am writing to express my support for the SEC's 2012 conflict minerals rule. Unregulated mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding region poses a substantial threat to great apes and other species of endangered wildlife, as illegal mining operations inside and around the country's national parks have destroyed critical habitat and caused the killing of endangered wildlife like the Grauer's gorilla -- the biggest great ape on the planet -- and many other animals to feed miners. Great apes are also vulnerable to diseases that result from being in close proximity to workers living in unsanitary conditions. A recent study supported by the U.S. government showed that the Grauer's gorilla population in DRC has declined by 80%, and this gorilla was recently listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List due to this substantial decline.
The situation has improved since the conflict minerals rule was approved, promoting the rule of law, increasing stability in the region, and reducing pressure on endangered wildlife. It supports the Congolese people in their efforts towards good governance, improves transparency in supply chain around conflict minerals, and provides consumers with information to help them make informed purchases. As of April 2016, there are now 204 mines free from guns and armed militias because of this rule, giving American companies and consumers growing confidence that their purchases are not contributing to death and destruction in DRC. I urge you to continue to implement the rule and to reject efforts to weaken it.
Sincerely,
Greer Hart