South Kivu, a region of invaluable natural wealth, is currently the stage for a fierce battle to preserve its natural heritage.
The lands of local farmers bear witness to the visible effects of climate disruption, jeopardizing the food security of the province. Meanwhile, a glimmer of hope emerges with the grant of funding from USADF, offering a promising opportunity for agricultural entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kahuzi Biega National Park (PNKB), a natural jewel in peril, is at the heart of a battle for its survival. Co-management of PNKB with the “community conservation” program emerges as a boon for the preservation of this world heritage. This initiative aims to actively involve the local community in park conservation, thus offering a crucial chance for all its species to survive.
In analyses conducted by Pascal IRAGI, a member of the Batwa community and head of the Community Conservation program within PNKB, poignant details are revealed about the impact of this innovative initiative.
Pascal emphasizes the importance of community involvement in park protection, highlighting their unique knowledge of harmful activities and their essential role in preserving this world heritage. Park co-management between the community and ICCN is carefully organized, with governance structures working directly with the Community Conservation program. This approach promotes transparency and accountability among the local communities. The initial results of implementing this community conservation structure are promising, with an estimated 50 to 60% of objectives achieved. This approach demonstrates significant progress compared to the old policing management method. The indigenous community, long marginalized, now finds its place in park management. Community involvement is seen as essential to ensuring the long-term conservation of PNKB.
ICCN’s efforts to educate Batwa children and integrate them into park management have helped alleviate tensions and lay the groundwork for peaceful coexistence. Land tenure remains a major challenge, with ongoing advocacy to ensure indigenous peoples’ access to land, the foundation of their identity and autonomy.
Strategies for community awareness and mobilization are being implemented to encourage pygmies to embrace the COCO project, thus fostering active and informed participation. Community conservation emerges as a crucial pillar for PNKB preservation, offering a glimmer of hope for safeguarding this natural heritage of paramount importance.
By the Editorial Board
