The Democratic Republic of Congo has just taken an important step in the protection of biodiversity and the conservation of wildlife. Indeed, the Garamba National Park, which is home to emblematic species such as elephants, giraffes, hippos and buffaloes, has just received a dozen white rhinos, thanks to a reintroduction operation successfully carried out by animal experts.
These rhinos, on the verge of extinction and almost decimated by poachers as well as by the various wars that the region has known, have for the most part been relocated from South Africa. This reintroduction operation is part of the initiative to protect and promote biodiversity advocated by Barrick Gold Corporation, a Canadian company operating and developing mining sites, operating in the DRC in the territories of Watsa and Faradje. of the province of Haut-Uélé.
According to President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, Mark Bristow, the goal is to create a new population group for this species in order to contribute to its long-term survival, while increasing the attractiveness of the park for tourism. The governor of the province of Haut-Uélé, Christophe Nangaa, also notes that the arrival of these animals in this park must be profitable and will boost tourism. However, he insists on the need to work on the infrastructure of the province so that tourists can easily access it.
The company has partnered with African Park and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation to oversee the project. Barrick also funds the fitting of GPS collars to elephants and lions, satellite connectivity and veterinary care to protect and track the animals in their natural habitat.
Garamba National Park, located near the border with South Sudan, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. It covers approximately 5,000 km2 and is one of the oldest national parks in Africa . The landscapes of the park include immense savannahs, grassy or wooded, interspersed with gallery forests along the rivers and marshy depressions. Residents and tourists cannot enter this area without special permission.
With this operation to reintroduce white rhinos into Garamba National Park, the DRC is contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the fight against the extinction of certain endangered species. This project should also promote the development of tourism in the province of Haut-Uélé and thus allow a better valorization of the natural wealth of the DRC.