The arrival of 16 white rhinos at Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a landmark event for the wildlife of this Central African country. This reintroduction operation is the result of a partnership between the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation, Garamba National Park, African Parks, Barrick Gold Corporation, and the Beyond private reserve. It aims to make this park a sanctuary for megaherbivores and an attractive tourist spot, capable of generating economic activities for local communities.
This initiative of Barrick Gold Corporation, a joint venture 45% owned by Barrick and AngloGold Ashanti, as well as 10% by the Société Minière de Kilo-Moto, will not fail to participate in the promotion of biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. . These 16 Southern White Rhinos are the first batch of a workforce of around sixty planned for this conservation project.
The governor of Haut-Uélé province, Christophe Baseane Nangaa, personally attended the reception of these species. He reaffirmed that the provincial government is also working on improving infrastructure to make this action profitable. This reintroduction will contribute to improving the future of the communities bordering the chiefdoms of Wando, Logo-Ogambi and Missa, as well as the province of Haut Uele.
In summary, this white rhinoceros reintroduction project in the DRC is an example of an effective partnership between a private company and various public institutions and non-governmental organizations. He brings hope for the Congolese fauna and the local populations.