Virunga National Park boundaries established through agreement between ICCN and local communities
In a recent development, civil society actors, citizen movements, Virunga National Park guardians and local authorities in North Kivu province managed to reach an agreement regarding the boundaries of the park in Kasindi Lubiriha, as well as as the opening of spaces dedicated to agriculture for local communities in this part of the country.
This agreement puts an end to recurring conflicts between the ICCN (Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation) and local communities. It also marks the beginning of the materialization of these temporary limits thanks to the construction of an electric fence within a short period of time. For several years, local populations have invaded the vast expanses of Virunga to practice agriculture and logging, leading to clashes between the inhabitants and the park guards responsible for protecting the site.
Virunga National Park, classified as both a Ramsar Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers an area of 7,800 square kilometers. The Congo ya Sika district, located inside the park and the subject of this agreement, will be put on hold pending a final decision from the central government. This temporary measure aims to curb the expansion of human occupation in this part of the park which has increased over the years and which has been the source of numerous conflicts.
This agreement marks an important step towards preserving the biodiversity of Virunga National Park while taking into account the needs of local communities. It is essential to find a balance between nature conservation and the sustainable development of the populations living around the park. By protecting the park’s boundaries and providing agricultural alternatives to local communities, this agreement contributes to the preservation of this unique and valuable ecosystem.
The work of awareness-raising and dialogue between ICCN, local communities and the various actors of civil society is a crucial step to ensure harmonious coexistence between man and nature. This success demonstrates the importance of involving all stakeholders in the management of protected areas and the preservation of biodiversity.
In conclusion, the agreement on the boundaries of Virunga National Park between ICCN and local communities is a major step forward in the preservation of this exceptional nature reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This demonstrates the desire for cooperation and compromise to ensure the conservation of nature while meeting the needs of local populations. A positive example to follow in the management of protected areas around the world.