In Spain there are more than 50 million active mobile phone lines for less than 47 million inhabitants. Globally, there are more than 7.000 million mobile phones in use. Millions of mobiles are replaced each year and are kept or thrown away, with the recycling rate being less than 10%. Meanwhile, the illegal exploitation of strategic minerals such as coltan, essential for the technology of our mobile phones, computers and consoles, is used by armed groups to finance armed conflicts that have produced millions of victims and refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

For all these reasons, the Jane Goodall Institute (IJG) organizes the campaign "Mobilize through the jungle", which through citizen awareness and the free collection of disused mobiles has the following objectives: Reuse terminals, Recycle useful elements and eliminate manage its toxic waste, and Raise funds for sustainable development, education and conservation programs in the Congo Basin and Senegal.

in Republic democratic of the Congo, the IJG maintains the Tchimpounga Rehabilitation Center, which employs more than 60 local workers and cares for more than 150 chimpanzees rescued from hunters, traffickers or private individuals. The orphaned chimpanzees are cared for by experienced keepers led by Spanish veterinarian Rebeca Atencia, and live in groups in a naturalized environment until their future reintroduction. Other Part of the funds obtained finances local community development projects and educational campaigns, promoting jobs and more sustainable practices, as well as supporting schools for mutilated children and children with special needs. In Senegal, the funds are used to finance reforestation and the protection of the forest and wild chimpanzees, as well as for environmental education campaigns.

For each device collected, the company Movilbak-Eurekamovil will contribute its official recycling value to the Jane Goodall Institute, depending on the model of the terminal. Mobile phones can be sent individually (see instructions here), but the approach of the Ecotopía Association is to act as a community collection and delivery point. From April 16 to May 14, five collection points would be established on the Móstoles campus, at the entrances to the three classrooms and the two departmental buildings. If the campaign is successful, the possibility of extending the initiative to other campuses will be assessed.

If you want to know more about the Ecotopía Association, click here or follow her on Twitter e Instagram.