Developments in the Kahuzi-Biega Park

Since the start of the war, the Kahuzi-Biega National Park has suffered an unprecedented destruction of its natural resources. Both the human population and the park's natural resources have been badly affected during the various conflicts. It has become difficult to carry out the necessary work to protect these resources. In spite of this, park staff have not sat back and done nothing, but have taken pains to implement some conservation activities in the park, development interventions for the population living near the park and public awareness activities; nor have they neglected staff training in seminars.
All parts of the park, in the lower and higher altitude sectors, have been visited in spite of the insecurity. Contacts have allowed us to strengthen collaboration with the population living close to the park.
A survey of wild animals illegally held in captivity was conducted in the city of Bukavu and surrounding areas. The survey identified the following species: 239 parrots, 94 monkeys, three chimpanzees, two baboons, two eagles, four tortoises and two antelopes. A good number of them was confiscated. Some patrol posts and the ranger camp were rehabilitated.
Four workshops on improved fuel-wood stoves have been organized to introduce and increase the use of this type of stove with the final target of using energy more economically while at the same time decreasing the pressure on the resources of the park. Seven theatre shows demonstrating the importance of protecting the park and of using alternatives have been performed. Local radios produced 32 programmes.

Recent events
On 3 October, the Mai-Mai laid siege to the Tshivanga station and the Mugaba patrol post. For ten days the Mai-Mai stayed there. They never prevented our personnel from carrying out their duties.
On 13 October, RCD (Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie) troops attacked the Tshivanga station in order to drive away the Mai-Mai. However, Tshivanga was not only housing these people but also by 15 families of our rangers. Fortunately, no human casualties or material damages were reported.
Following these fights, the RCD soldiers reconquered Tshivanga while the others retreated to the park to the 7th kilometer (saba-saba) situated at the park exit. Each party strictly keeps its position. We have made efforts to convince both of them of their obligation to protect the park in spite of the war.
We sincerely thank both sides for the good will they have exhibited towards safeguarding the park's gorillas. The monitoring patrols and the visits to the habituated gorilla groups are being resumed slowly.

Bernard Iyomi Iyatshi and Carlos Schuler

Bernard Iyomi Iyatshi is a specialist in wildlife management. He has worked for nature conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 22 years, for example in the national parks Salonga, Maiko and Kahuzi-Biega. In August 2002, he became Principal Conservator of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Carlos Schuler first worked as a typographer, then became a windsurfing and skiing teacher. In 1983, during one of his intercontinental travels, he visited Bukavu. Two years later he returned and since 1994 he has been working for the GTZ there.

Kahuzi-Biega Overview

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