The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently welcomed sixteen white rhinos, an endangered subspecies, to the Garamba National Park, located in the northeast of the country. This initiative follows a thirteen-year-old reintroduction program initiated by Barrick CEO Mark Bristow and supported by African Parks, ICCN, the Congolese government and other partners.
Garamba Park is known to be the oldest animal park in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. It was one of the last places where you could observe northern white rhinos, which have now disappeared. The reintroduction initiative, centered on the southern subspecies, is therefore crucial for the conservation of these animals in Africa.
The arrival of the rhinos required significant logistics and an adapted environment in order to welcome them in complete safety. Barrick Gold Corporation has been heavily involved in this project by contributing financially to the establishment of “tracking collars, fuel for observation aircraft, rescue and rehabilitation programs as well as the improvement of infrastructure essentials like roads and bridges” according to the CEO.
Since African Parks took over the management of the animal park in 2005, poaching has decreased sharply and the animal population has increased thanks to socio-economic initiatives supported by the community and partners. The reintroduction of white rhinos is therefore an important step for the balance of the Garamba ecosystem and for the conservation of this precious species.
Beyond the environmental aspect, CEO Mark Bristow also stresses the importance of a holistic approach to sustainability and the fight against poverty. The park employs over 500 people and also supports local businesses. Barrick’s biodiversity conservation strategy is therefore essential to protect and restore valuable sites in collaboration with NGOs and local organizations.
In conclusion, the reintroduction of white rhinos in Garamba Park is an ambitious and crucial project for the conservation of this threatened species and the balance of the park’s ecosystem. This initiative is also an example for sustainable environmental management and fruitful collaboration between local and international actors to achieve common goals in biodiversity conservation.