The Itombwe Nature Reserve (INR), like all protected areas in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, faces countless management challenges due to insecurity and armed conflict. During 2025, the INR operated in an adaptive manner in response to the persistent security instability. This situation has had negative repercussions across all sectors of life, including nature conservation.

The INR continued to benefit from the support of its partners, including Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe, Primate Expertise, The Gorilla Organization, ACOPED (Community Action for the Promotion of the Environment and Sustainable Development), and Strong Roots. Thanks to this support, and…