The province of Haut-Uélé in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has just received an invaluable gift thanks to the Canadian mining company Barrick Gold. The latter is indeed at the origin of the project to restore the population of white rhinos in the Garamba National Park. This park created to protect the habitat of elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes and okapis in danger of extinction, undergoes constant threats from poachers and past wars in the DRC. White rhinos have been particularly decimated in recent years, dropping from 1,000 animals in 1960 to around 13 specimens in 1984, and only 15 individuals in 1994.
Barrick Gold’s project involves reintroducing white rhinos to their natural habitat in the DRC. The first operation to reintroduce around ten of these animals was successfully carried out on June 9, 2023. In total, 70 animals will be reintroduced into the park over the next three years. To oversee the project, the company called on African Park and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN).
The governor of Haut-Uélé, Christophe Nangaa, sees the arrival of white rhinos as an opportunity to boost tourism in the region, while stressing the need to improve infrastructure. The Garamba National Park is indeed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the development of eco-tourism can bring positive economic benefits to the region.
The project to restore the population of white rhinos in Garamba National Park is an important step for the conservation of biodiversity in the DRC and for the fight against climate change. In addition to the reintroduction of white rhinos, Barrick Gold finances the fitting of GPS collars on elephants and lions, satellite connection and veterinary care