Virunga national park in Congo closes to tourists until 2019

Security review to take place after 12 rangers are killed and two Britons are abducted

Jason BurkeAfrica correspondent

Mon 4 Jun 2018 15.29 BSTLast modified on Tue 5 Jun 2018 07.58 BST

Africa’s oldest national park will close its gates to visitors until 2019 following the death of a ranger and the abduction of two British tourists by local rebels this year.

Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to a world-famous population of mountain gorillas but has been hit by rising instability and violence in the country.

At least 12 rangers have been killed in clashes with militia and smugglers in Virunga in the last 10 months, one of the bloodiest periods in the park’s history.

In May, one of the many local militia – known as Mai Mai – attacked a vehicle that had been carrying tourists from the city of Goma, about 30 miles from the park headquarters, to their accommodation. A park ranger, Rachel Makissa Baraka, 25, was shot dead, a Congolese driver was wounded and the two British tourists, Robert Jesty and Bethan Davies, were held by militia overnight.

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Sir David Attenborough facing new battle to save the gorillas

It is more than 35 years since Sir David Attenborough was memorably prodded, poked and groomed by rare African mountain gorillas in front of television cameras. Now the 88-year-old naturalist is again fighting to save the endangered primates.

Yesterday, he launched a scathing attack on a British firm with a history of oil exploration in the gorillas' fragile habitat. Sir David, whose now famous scene from the Life on Earth series featured a family of mountain gorillas, called for Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the last bastions of the mountain gorilla, to be protected from oil exploration by SOCO International. The firm, which is registered on the London Stock Exchange, had been conducting studies on whether it is feasible to drill for oil at Lake Edward, on the border of the park and neighbouring Rwanda.

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Endangered Gorillas Protected from Oil Drilling in African Park

By Elizabeth Howell, Live Science Contributor | June 19, 2014 07:46am ET

A major oil and gas company has pledged to stop plumbing for oil in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and United States authorities pressured the firm to halt operations in the region.

Soco International Inc., an oil and gas production company headquartered in London, has agreed to cease development work in the area within 30 days, according to company representatives.

The African park — the oldest national park on the continent — is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to a diverse array of animals, including hippopotamuses, "critically endangered" mountain gorillas and several species of birds that flock to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to escape the harsh winter season in Siberia, according to the WWF. The 3,000-square-mile (7,800 kilometers) park was originally created in 1925 as a sanctuary to protect the region's gorillas. 

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SOCO International and WWF reach compromise over Virunga National Park

Posted by: Kevin Heath / 7 hours ago

Following mediation at the UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines, oil exploration company SOCO International and conservation group WWF have reached a settlement. SOCO International has confirmed that once the Lake Edward seismic testing has been completed shortly they will not undertake the next stage of oil exploration unless agreement is allowed by UNESCO and the DRC government as being acceptable within the park. In exchange WWF agree to drop their claimagainst SOCO International at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for breaching good business practice guidelines. The statement released by SOCO International states:

SOCO International plc (SOCO) has agreed with WWF in a joint statement to commit not to undertake or commission any exploratory or other drilling within Virunga National Park unless UNESCO and the DRC government agree that such activities are not incompatible with its World Heritage status. This was agreed jointly in mediation through the UK National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines. We will complete our existing operational programme including completing the seismic survey on Lake Edward which is due to conclude shortly. The Company confirms its previous statements that no Block V drilling commitment have ever been made.

Roger Cagle, Deputy CEO said, “SOCO is pleased that we were able to work together with WWF to hopefully find a way to jointly improve conditions in Virunga National Park and for its inhabitants.”

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WWF alleges British oil company violated environmental and human rights provisions in Virunga

Soco’s exploration in Virunga violates OECD guidelines, WWF alleges

October 2013. WWF has filed a complaint alleging that British oil company Soco International PLC has breached international corporate social responsibility standards. WWF contends that, in the course of Soco’s oil exploration activities in and around Virunga National Park, the company has violated environmental and human rights provisions of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

“Soco’s operations are putting Virunga’s people, animals and habitats at risk. The only way for Soco to come into compliance with the OECD guidelines is for the company to end all exploration in Virunga for good,” said Lasse Gustavsson, Executive Director of Conservation at WWF International. “We urge the company to stop its activities immediately.”

Soco allegedly has used state security forces to intimidate opponents, and has failed to disclose during community consultations vital information about potential environmental and health impacts of its exploration. Further, the company’s contract contains a clause effectively exempting it from future laws aimed at protecting human rights and the environment.

Impact assessment

Soco’s own impact assessment shows that oil exploration could cause pollution, damage habitats and bring poaching to this fragile ecosystem. It could also harm residents’ health and damage the natural resources upon which 50,000 people depend.

Read on

'Oil threat' to DR Congo's Virunga National Park

The conservation group WWF is calling on a UK-based company to abandon its plans to explore for oil in Africa's oldest national park.

The charity says Soco International's proposals could put the Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo at risk.

The park is home to more than 3,000 different kinds of animals, including endangered mountain gorillas.

Soco denied that its activities threatened the environment of the park.

The company said it was currently only evaluating the resources there.

'Gone for good'

In a report, WWF says the exploitation of oil concessions in the park, which is a World Heritage Site, could cause widespread pollution and environmental damage, as well as create conflict.

"Once you turn it into an oil field you sell it once and it's gone for good. It's going to get destroyed, polluted - the beauty of it will go to waste," said Raymond Lumbuenamo, country director for WWF-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

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Rebel attack on Virunga National Park ranger patrol kills three in DR Congo

More than 130 rangers have been killed in the last 15 years protecting wildlife. Please help support their families.

More than 130 rangers have been killed by rebels - Please help their families

October 2012. Armed Mai Mai rebels have again attacked a ranger in Congo's Virunga National Park, killing two ICCN park staff and one soldier who was assisting the rangers. In addition, three soldiers were wounded, one critically. Five Mai Mai PARECO rebels were killed during the attack, as well as two wounded and captured. The wounded rebels are currently in custody at the hospital in Vitshumbi.

The attack took place at Mwiga Bay, an area just west of the fishing settlement of Vitshumbi on Lake Edward in the park's central sector, where a dramatic increase in the presence of armed militias has led to a growing number of attacks on park staff.

The park's Chief Warden, Emmanuel de Merode, said after the attack, "The civil war has brought an influx of militias into the park, intent on poaching and attacking the local population. This is bringing overwhelming pressures on our small team of rangers whose duty it is to protect the wildlife and the people living in and around the park. Once again, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the deaths of our colleagues."

Civil war has made the park's staff highly vulnerable
The outbreak of civil war in May this year has provoked the withdrawal of the military from many areas of Virunga National Park, leaving the park's staff vulnerable to the many illegal armed groups that frequent the area.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/virunga-rangers012.html

Congo Rangers locate first Mountain gorilla families in rebel-held territory

First good news from Virunga for a while

August 2012. Twenty park rangers and 15 local trackers that are searching for the missing mountain gorilla families in Congo's Virunga National Park have so far found four of the seven gorilla groups. Over two months of violent fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese armed forces in and around the park's Gorilla Sector has prevented rangers from monitoring the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Africa's oldest national park, causing concern for their health and safety.

Not seen for 3 months
Eight teams spread out through the forests from their base at Bukima Patrol Post searching for signs of the gorillas, some which have not been seen in over three months. Rangers were able to locate the Humba, Rugendo, and Munyaga families, and part of the Kabirizi family, which appears to have split. All seem healthy, but a more detailed assessment and individual counting will take place in the coming week.

Virunga National Park's Chief Warden Emmanuel de Merode reported, "While the security conditions remain precarious for our staff, the fact that we've been able to locate a significant number of the missing mountain gorillas is a strong sign of hope that we will be able to secure this critically important population through the current period of armed conflict".

The gorilla monitoring operation, which was scheduled to begin following authorization by government authorities and M23 rebel commanders, was postponed when the conflict escalated on 24 July, and intense combat in and around the park headquarters prevented the park's rangers from beginning the planned search.

"It was truly amazing to see the gorillas again after so long and so much fighting," said Innocent Mburanumwe, warden of the park's Gorilla Sector. "The gorillas circled us and several reached out to touch and smell us. They had not seen us for a very long time and seemed calm and curious."

Local trackers have been working with park rangers to locate the gorillas. These same trackers have been providing critical information on the welfare of the mountain gorillas throughout the ongoing conflict.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/gorilla-virunga-search.html

Search for missing mountain gorillas will begin in Congo

Gorilla cease fire
July 2012. Despite of the ongoing civil war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the government authorities and M23 rebel commanders have authorized the park's rangers to search for the missing gorilla families in rebel-held territory in the Mountain Gorilla Sector of Congo's Virunga National Park. On Tuesday 24 July, a team of 45 rangers will begin a multi-day operation to find and monitor the condition of six mountain gorilla families, some which have not been seen for over 10 weeks.


Machine guns, mortars and combat helicopters
Rangers are required to provide constant protection for the critically endangered mountain gorillas but were forced to evacuate the Gorilla Sector as a result of the intense fighting between the Congolese army and the rebel group on 8 May 2012. Extensive use of heavy machine guns, mortars and combat helicopters blocked all efforts to monitor and protect gorilla families that make their home in the surrounding forests.

Virunga National Park's director Emmanuel de Merode, stated, "We are delighted and relieved that all sides in the conflict have recognized the need to protect Congo's only mountain gorillas, and that once again this country has shown a deep commitment to nature conservation despite the exceedingly difficult political challenges of the moment."

Every gorilla to be ‘audited'
Rangers will work with trackers from the local community in seven teams of six people. After locating the gorilla families, the park's gorilla monitoring teams will individually identify each member of the family. Their health status will also be assessed as mountain gorillas are particularly vulnerable to disease. Once the initial census is completed, ranger teams will continue to patrol the park to remove all snares and protect the gorillas from poachers. The park rangers are the only Congolese government security officers currently operating in rebel-held territory.

Home to 200 gorillas
Virunga National Park's gorilla families live in the mountainous forests of the Virunga Massif. The park is home to approximately 200 mountain gorillas, 25% of the total remaining in the world.

The park closed all tourist visits to the gorillas, chimpanzees, and volcanoes on 1 April when fighting began within the park. Tourist attractions will remain closed until the security situation is stable.


Results expected in August
The Congolese Park Authorities, ICCN, expect to release the results of the census of the 6 gorilla families in the second week of August 2012.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/gorilla-virunga-2012.html

Meet the awesome dogs that are stamping out elephant poaching

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga National Park employs a lean, mean team of crime-fighters to take on evil elephant poachers. These elite commandoes are fearless trackers, work for practically nothing, have exceptional loyalty, and are a pack of adorable puppies.

Meet Carla, Stella, Lila, Dodi, Lily, and Sabrina. The bloodhounds — or Congohounds, as they’re called in Virunga — are currently being trained to protect the National Park’s animals from poachers. Rangers rely on the hounds’ especially keen sniffers to track and apprehend suspects — bloodhounds can identify a single scent out of 5 million competing smells.

Continued:  http://grist.org/list/meet-the-awesome-dogs-that-are-stamping-out-elephant-poaching/

British oil company to drill for oil in Virunga National Park – SOCO ‘Hostile to the park’

Seismic tests in Lake Edward.

June 2012. The committee overseeing World Heritage Sites yesterday cautioned that petroleum exploration in Virunga National Park could cause serious harm and should be halted. WWF, the Wildlife Conservation Society, Fauna & Flora International, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Lukuru Foundation welcome this strong position and urge the DRC government and oil companies to act on it.

Expressing its concern over recent actions by petroleum companies, the World Heritage Committee reiterated its position that oil development is incompatible with World Heritage status. In the Committee's decisions, passed at its annual meeting, the committee also called on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to revoke permits granted to exploration companies.

Hostile to the park
British oil company SOCO International, which has already begun activities in Virunga, was criticized in the State of Conservation report on Virunga as being "hostile to the park". The committee said SOCO's permits did not conform to Democratic Republic of the Congo's international commitments.

SOCO states that "it will never seek to have operations in the mountain gorilla habitat, the Virunga Volcanoes or the Virunga equatorial rainforest." This ignores the point that much large areas of Virunga, Africa's oldest National Park, lie outside the gorilla habitat. It seems that SOCO belive that this area will be fair game.

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/soco-virunga.html

Rebel groups invade Mountain gorilla park – Yet another gorilla ranger killed

Mountain gorillas threatened as opposing armies deploy heavy artillery in Virunga National Park

May 2012. The Congolese army began a sustained assault on rebel positions near Virunga National Park's mountain gorilla sector early Sunday 13th May using heavy machine guns and mortars. The intense fighting, which began last Thursday evening in and around the park's gorilla patrol posts of Bikenge and Jomba, caused serious damage to Bikenge, forcing rangers to abandon their positions. Staff at Bukima patrol post evacuated late on Saturday evening following information of rebel infiltration in the area. Two of the five gorilla posts remain open. 

Tourist visits halted
Earlier in the week, the park closed all tourist visits to the gorillas, chimpanzees, and volcanoes following word that the CNDP rebel group had entered the west side of the park. Tourist attractions will remain closed until the security situation is stable. A dramatic increase in tourism over the last three years demonstrated the most promising sign of future stability in the North Kivu region with over 5000 tourists visiting the park. 

"We are deeply concerned with the safety of the mountain gorillas"
The Chief Warden for Virunga National Park, Dr Emmanuel de Merode, said "We are deeply concerned with the safety of the mountain gorillas who are exposed to the dangers of artillery fire, but we must also take care of our staff who have to be evacuated from the combat zone. As soon as there is a lull in the fighting, we will return to check on the gorillas."

Continued:  http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/virunga-rebels.html

Is Virunga’s gorilla king about to lose his throne?

January 2012: Kabirizi has been king of the gorillas at Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo - but is his power waning? Certainly, there are plenty of new pretenders for the throne. Dr Eddy from Virunga National Park takes up the story:

Silverbacks were charging and screaming at us

On the morning of January 20, I left the Bukima patrol post with a group of trackers to find Kabirizi group.

Along the way we encountered the night nest of the silverback Mukunda, who still stays by himself in the forest. About 30 minutes later we met a wild or unhabituated gorilla group, a very rare occurrence.

The group was quiet initially but later they moved away, with the silverbacks charging and screaming at us. We know from the 2010 census that there are several large unhabituated groups in Viurnga.

Almost three-and-a-half hours after starting our trek, we found Kabirizi group. The weather was sunny and almost all of the gorillas were sitting under shade in the bushes which made our observation quite long and difficult. We counted 33 individuals, including Kabirizi himself.

Kabirizi had many woundsI realized that Kabirizi was quieter than usual. He was not charging, hiding, or running, and was eating out in the open with his family members. Normally Kabirizi does not like being observed by people, and stays hidden in the vegetation, keeping the group's babies close to him for protection.

I noticed that Kabirizi had many healing wounds on his left shoulder and thigh and a large cut (about 7cm) on his right heel which was healing but not allowing him to walk properly. He was limping on the right side and using his left leg a lot while walking.

Kabirizi's missing canines.Some time ago, Kabirizi lost his upper and lower canine teeth during a fight with another gorilla. I think that his lack of canines, his defensive weapons, is one of the reasons why it is easy for the other silverbacks in the group to take advantage of him in fights.

The younger silverback Bagheni been fighting with Kabirizi on a regular basis now - battles that Kabirizi often loses. Another young silverback in the group, Mugeni, is also starting to challenge him.

While the other gorillas in the group appear healthy, Kabirizi is declining due to a combination of aging and frequent fighting with the other silverbacks. It will be very interesting to see how the dynamics in the family change this year.

Courtesy of Wildlife Direct

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/virunga-kabirizi.html