Voice of the Peasant to train and inform citizens: a commitment to social and climate justice.
Located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga National Park plays a central role in promoting sustainable tourism in North Kivu. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this unique location combines biodiversity conservation, enhancement of natural heritage, and economic benefits for local communities. With its spectacular landscapes, active volcanoes, and emblematic species such as mountain gorillas, the park attracts a growing number of ecotourists concerned with traveling responsibly.
An economic engine for local communities
Tourism development around the park has created many direct and indirect jobs in the fields of hospitality, catering, guiding, and crafts. By working with surrounding populations, the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) promotes an inclusive approach to tourism, where environmental protection goes hand in hand with improved living conditions. Community projects are regularly supported thanks to the revenues generated by tourist visits.
A model of resilience in the face of security challenges
Despite the challenges linked to insecurity and armed conflicts in the region, Virunga Park remains a symbol of resilience and hope. The park management’s initiatives to revive tourism demonstrate that responsible tourism is possible even in fragile contexts. By focusing on ecotourism, North Kivu is charting a path toward a more stable future, where nature becomes a driver of peace, development, and pride for the local population.
The Editorial Team
