The Voice of the Farmer to Educate and Inform Citizens: A Commitment to Social and Climate Justice
An Anniversary Marked by Civic Advocacy
On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Sarambwe Nature Reserve (RNS), civil society actors from Goma called on the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) to initiate impactful community-based projects. Located on the border with Uganda, this protected area in Rutshuru territory shelters a small population of mountain gorillas, but suffers from a severe lack of attention and investment from the Congolese government.
Local Engagement and Shared Benefits
Voices like that of Elias Muhindo nevertheless commend ICCN’s current efforts to integrate local youth into conservation activities. Training in tracking and guarding is being offered, and a rotational system allows several families to benefit from these jobs. This approach helps reduce community tensions and strengthens local support for the preservation of the reserve.
Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Conservation
Activists are advocating for stronger commitment from the State and partners to scale up these initiatives and embed conservation in a sustainable and inclusive dynamic. By combining biodiversity protection with socio-economic development, the RNS could become a model for participatory management of protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Editorial Team
