Cooperating nature reserves are helping both man and gorilla

23april2008
Source: vroegevogels.vara.nl
Recently, a new, cross-border cooperation started between nature reserves of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The project aims at the National Parks Virunga and Bwindi, which borders these countries.
This central African area is one of the most diverse areas on the planet. It is home to 376 different kinds of mammals, including the last population of mountain gorilla’s on earth. Therefore, Virunga National Park is on the world heritage list of UNESCO.

Locals are also meant to profit from the new cooperation. People in the area now live in severe poverty and under difficult conditions. The project will give more people access to clean drinking water. It will also offer job opportunities and education for rangers, tourism and park management. The growth of tourism should lead to more income and more peace and stability in the area.

The WNF has already been active here for a long time: Since 1987, ten million trees have been planted, serving as a buffer for the National Park.