** Virunga National Park: a century of inheritance and challenges **
The Virunga National Park, located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), celebrates its centenary this year. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park of 7,800 square kilometers is not only a natural treasure, but also a symbol of resistance to decades of conflicts. This complex context questions conservation issues, the threats to the fauna and flora, as well as on the role of local communities and the international community in the preservation of this unique site.
### A site in danger
The Virunga National Park is home to exceptional biodiversity, especially more than a third of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. However, the beauty and richness of this natural space are threatened. According to sources of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), almost 35 % of the park is illegally operated, largely for agriculture and the production of wood of wood. This phenomenon of illegality is exacerbated by armed conflicts that undermine the region for more than 20 years, where various militias, including the M23 movement supported by Rwanda and the Allied Democratic Forces, find refuge in the park.
Amos Paluku, an eco-guard from the ICCN, testifies to the dangers he faces on a daily basis. Frequent attacks by armed groups not only affect eco-garde safety, but also compromises conservation efforts. Over the past two decades, more than 300 eco-guards have been killed by paying their protection mission.
### International solidarity need
Emmanuel de Merode, director of the park, underlines the importance of the international community in preserving the park. The overall response to the security and ecological crisis requires increased and concerted attention. The people involved in this struggle are not only requiring recognition of their sacrifice, but also a concrete action to put an end to the illegal exploitation of natural resources. The park, which generates around 30 million dollars a year for these armed groups, illustrates how economic issues and security intertwine in this region.
### A loss for all
The consequences of this instability are visible not only on fauna, but also on ecosystems. Blesing Muhiwa, ambassador of nature, evokes the scarcity of animal species that he has observed over the years. Animals, sensitive to human presence, could indeed change their behavior to escape the threat. This raises the question of long -term impact: if the situation does not improve, how many species will disappear and at what cost for the natural and cultural heritage of the region?
### Towards a collective reflection
The Virunga park is not only a place of biodiversity, it has a deep meaning for local populations. It provides 70 % of Goma’s electricity needs, while providing employment to residents. This invites us to reflect on the actions necessary to balance conservation and economic development, so as to include local communities in the management and protection of this inheritance.
The path to the resilience and the reconstruction of a region victimized by conflicts seems sown with pitfalls. However, as Emmanuel de Merode mentions, see Virunga as a vision symbol for the future could open doors. Education, awareness -raising and sustainable development initiatives could help change the perception of natural resources. How to encourage a constructive dialogue around these complex issues and set up viable and lasting solutions?
### Conclusion
As its centenary approach, Virunga National Park returns to the heart of the debates, stressing the urgency of a balanced representation of the interests at stake. In a constantly evolving world, it is imperative to take a careful look at what this park represents. More than a simple tourist destination or a natural habitat, it is a revealer of human, economic and ecological struggles in a region marked by instability. The preservation of this natural heritage depends on our collective choices and the support that we can provide to those who work for its protection.