**Fatshimetrie: Congolese Activist Honored for Dedication to Protecting Virunga Wildlife**
One of the greatest unsung heroes of wildlife conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bantu Lukambo, was recently honored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at a special ceremony at BAFTA in London. Lukambo, originally from Goma, has dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and habitat in the iconic Virunga National Park region, despite ongoing challenges from armed conflict, poaching, and economic interests.
Born and raised in the heart of Virunga National Park, Lukambo developed a deep connection with nature from an early age. He learned, guided by his father, the importance of respecting wild animals and preserving their habitat. Faced with increasing environmental degradation due to poaching and resource exploitation, Lukambo created the NGO Innovation pour le Développement et la Protection de l’Environnement (IDPE) in 1994 to defend this natural sanctuary.
One of Lukambo’s most notable battles was against SOCO International’s oil exploration project in Lake Edward. This project directly threatened the park’s fragile ecosystem and endangered the lives of local species, including fish, hippos, elephants and birds. Despite pressure, attempts at bribery and even threats to his life, Lukambo remained inflexible and ultimately contributed to the abandonment of the oil exploration project.
His commitment does not stop there. Lukambo continues to fight for the protection of Virunga, even in the midst of war in the North Kivu region. In addition to monitoring the impact of conflict on local wildlife, he collaborates with communities to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and nature. His initiatives include the creation of the “Kanyabayonga Environmental Community Radio” to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable development.
Over the years, Lukambo has sacrificed his safety and personal life to save endangered wildlife. He has faced armed militants, traffickers, poachers and even physical attacks to defend his cause. His dedication and determination has been recognized by IFAW, who awarded him the Animal Action Award for his significant impact in protecting the environment and animals.
In conclusion, Bantu Lukambo embodies the true spirit of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. His story reminds us not only of the importance of preserving our environment, but also of the power of individual commitment to change the world, one step at a time.