The war in the Virunga National Park region, caused by the conflict with the M23 rebel group, has had devastating consequences on the protection of the biodiversity of this important nature reserve. The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) expressed its deep dismay at the threats weighing on the ecoguards responsible for protecting the park.
The situation is particularly worrying in the central and southern sectors of Virunga National Park, currently controlled by M23 rebels. Surveillance activities in the park have come to a standstill, giving way to illegal exploitation of biodiversity by mafia networks. This situation seriously compromises conservation efforts and endangers the region’s flora and fauna.
Although faced with increasingly difficult working conditions, ICCN staff continue to fulfill their mission with dedication and courage. Unfortunately, the irresponsible distribution of photos of ICCN staff, disconnected from their context, exposes these ecoguards to unnecessary risks and harms the park’s preservation efforts.
It is imperative to raise public awareness of the plight of Virunga National Park and support ICCN’s efforts to protect this remarkable nature reserve. The international community must take urgent action to end the conflict in the region and ensure the preservation of this vital ecosystem.
In these tumultuous times, it is essential to remember the importance of nature conservation and the protection of natural spaces for future generations. Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure of African biodiversity that deserves to be preserved for years to come.