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Guinea In Guinea, we are working in the Upper Guinea forest ecosystem, a belt of forests running parallel to the coast of West Africa. This ecosystem, severely degraded by centuries of human activity, is home to such remarkable species as the chimpanzee, pygmy hippopotamus, cross river gorilla and forest elephant. It also harbors more than 20 species of primates listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN red list. Within the Upper Guinea forest ecosystem, we are working within and surrounding the Pic de Fon classified forest, in particular. Threats The Pic de Fon faces significant threats to biodiversity, including bushmeat hunting, slash-and-burn agriculture and logging. Mining could also become a threat to biodiversity; the area is rich in iron ore, a mineral resource that could contribute significantly to Guinea's economic development. Project Rio Tinto in Guinea In order to minimize the threat of mining and maximize opportunities for conservation in the region, we are working with Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration Limited, a division of Rio Tinto, and other stakeholders in Guinea to conduct initial biodiversity and socio-economic threats and opportunities assessments of the area. Should mining commence, Rio Tinto has committed to use the assessment results and other findings to help mitigate and offset the effects of its operations. more 
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 Pic de Fon classified forest, Guinea  WEBSITES • Guinean Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot • Rio Tinto |
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