Indigenous peoples near Congo parks propose diverse solutions for the future of conservation
GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — High above the lush forests of protected areas in the Congo Basin in eastern Congo, the calls of endemic birds and monkeys echo through the trees. Beneath the canopy, the Maiko, Salonga, Kahuzi-Biega, and Virunga National Parks sprawl across millions of hectares. For millennia, long before these protected areas […]
GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The verdant forests of the Congo Basin, home to the Maiko, Salonga, Kahuzi-Biega, and Virunga National Parks, have long been shaped by the presence of Indigenous peoples. These communities have coexisted with the land for generations, yet were eventually driven off their ancestral territories.
Julien Basimika, a young Mutwa man and Indigenous Twa person, reflects on his people's harmonious relationship with the forest, stating that their survival depended on its protection. However, modern-day descendants of those displaced now face extreme poverty due to land loss, armed conflicts, and discrimination. Conservation efforts near these parks have sparked heated debates among various stakeholders: should Indigenous peoples be allowed to return to their ancestral lands, participate in environmental projects, or face potential involvement in illegal activities?
The views among these communities are diverse, with no clear consensus emerging. The upcoming Belém Call to Action, announced in November 2025, seeks to halt deforestation and forest degradation, providing a framework for dialogue on community involvement.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
