Fatshimetrie, November 1, 2024 – A fierce fight against attempts to sell plots in Nzulo, located in the Masisi territory in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was initiated this Friday in Goma. The managers of this protected area held a press conference to raise awareness among the population on the importance of preserving this natural space.
Méthode Uhuze, in charge of external relations at the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), highlighted the complexity of the steps required to modify the boundaries of a protected area. Indeed, the law strictly regulates this process, and any modification must respect a set of established principles. He recalled that the boundaries of the park are defined by an ordinance and that any modification can only be made through another ordinance.
Furthermore, Mr. Uhuze highlighted the fact that the Congolese state won a lawsuit against those who claimed to be the owners of the Nzulo part. Despite this, the execution of the court decision has been delayed due to the precarious security situation in the area.
The Nzulo sector, created shortly after 1934 in Virunga National Park, was transferred to a Belgian commission at the time, in accordance with an established convention. An awareness campaign against attempts to sell plots in Nzulo has been underway for three months, and Bienvenu Bwende, ICCN’s communications officer, stressed that this campaign will last as long as necessary to clearly communicate that Nzulo is not for sale.
Individuals posing as indigenous people have attempted to claim part of Virunga National Park in Nzulo, arguing that they have never been compensated. However, this claim is unfounded according to Virunga National Park, given that the claimed area is clearly demarcated by the Royal Decree creating this protected area, a World Heritage recognition.
This campaign against the sale of plots in Nzulo aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of preserving natural areas and to dispel any confusion or attempts to dispossess a protected area of its environmental value. It is crucial that conservation efforts continue to be supported to preserve the natural and cultural wealth represented by the protected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo.