Good News from Kahuzi-Biega

Early in May, troops of various factions moved into the highland sector of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and around the park. Fortunately, the troops that had been living within the range of the habituated gorilla families for seven months have now withdrawn without serious fighting. Thanks to an intense campaign to increase the awareness of all sides (warring parties, chiefs, UNESCO, MONUC and others), a solution has been found that safeguards the survival of the gorillas. Now they have their habitat to themselves again. The chiefs showed great understanding - with a remarkable farsightedness - to save the World Heritage Site for the future as a main pillar of tourism and of the economy in general.
In the meantime, the patrol posts of Mugaba and Kasirusiru have been put into operation again by the rangers, and other patrol posts will also be back in operation again soon. Every day the gorillas are monitored, and no losses have been recorded among them so far. Since 12 May the Tshivanga station has had electricity - a big relief for the employees of the park and the park management in general.

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 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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