Tourism in danger in the Beni region: WWF calls for an end to hostilities
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is sounding the alarm regarding the situation in the territory of Beni, in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The hostilities there are having a devastating impact on tourism, endangering the environmental wealth of this region.
Gédéon Bakereti, head of WWF in North Kivu, denounces the presence of armed groups who kill and illegally sell animals, thus compromising environmental conservation efforts. Eco-guards are also victims of this situation, losing their lives during patrols. In addition, war-displaced people living in protected areas resort to abusive cutting of trees to obtain firewood.
Faced with this situation, WWF calls for the restoration of peace in the region in order to protect the environment and preserve tourism potential. Indeed, peace would allow the country to generate income through tourism, while promoting sustainable development and the protection of biodiversity.
The Congolese government, the international community and civil society actors are called upon to get actively involved and work together for peace in eastern DRC. Everyone’s collaboration is essential to preserve the environment, ensure the safety of eco-guards and animals, and promote economic development based on tourism.
WWF emphasizes the fact that protected areas and the region’s biodiversity, when preserved, can become real engines of development. Indeed, responsible tourism offers sustainable economic opportunities, thus contributing to job creation, the development of local communities and the preservation of nature.
It is therefore essential to put an end to hostilities in the Beni region and to work together to restore peace, protect the environment and preserve the tourism potential of this region rich in natural resources. By acting now, we can secure a better future for the North Kivu region and the entire Democratic Republic of Congo.