Wildlife tourism is in vogue and the DRC does not want to be outdone. The province of Haut-Uélé has just inaugurated the Garamba wildlife sanctuary, the aim of which is to protect the natural habitat of various animal species, including white rhinos. The restoration project for this animal species in the DRC has been announced since 2022 and was implemented this year thanks to a dozen white rhinos from South Africa.
The initiative to protect, promote biodiversity and conserve wildlife was carried out as part of a partnership between the Canadian company Barrick Gold, operating in the territories of Watsa and Faradje in the province of Haut-Uélé, African Park and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation.
This action will restore a population of white rhinos on the verge of extinction, while strengthening the tourist appeal of Garamba National Park. It must be said that this species had experienced a catastrophic situation, decimated by poachers and the various armed conflicts that have shaken the region in the past.
The governor of Haut-Uélé, Christophe Nangaa, is delighted with this action, while recognizing the challenges: “The arrival of these animals in this park of Garamba (…) must be profitable. I think that the arrival of white rhinos will boost tourism and will also force us, both the central and provincial government, to work on infrastructure so that we are very frequentable”.
Indeed, the conservation of biodiversity is a necessity to protect the planet and fight against climate change. This is why the white rhinoceros population of Garamba must be monitored and protected to guarantee its survival.
We hope that this action will contribute to the preservation of the species and make the DRC a tourist destination of choice for nature lovers.