DR Congo: STOP the killing of rare species in the Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega parks

Let us protect this natural heritage for present and future generations.

Yet far too many animals are still suffering at human hands. The spread of armed conflict in several provinces of the DRC is speeding up the destruction of ecosystems and directly threatens emblematic species such as elephants, hippos, okapis, great apes and grey parrots.

Some armed groups are turning protected areas into zones of illegal exploitation of natural resources, through the trafficking of precious timber, clandestine mining and the illegal trade in wildlife products.

In North Kivu, the situation in Virunga National Park remains particularly worrying. Two more rangers were killed this May while carrying out their mission to protect biodiversity.

In South Kivu, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is gradually losing its forest cover to illegal mining and the charcoal trade supplying, among others, the cities of Bukavu and Goma.