Democratic Republic of the Congo conservation efforts face security threats

Conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are facing significant challenges due to armed conflict and illegal resource exploitation. In Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks, biodiversity is under threat from poaching and the illegal production of charcoal. In Kahuzi-Biega, an attack by armed groups in February 2026 reportedly emptied an eco-guard weapons depot, reducing the ability to protect the habitat of the endangered Grauer’s gorilla. Additionally, ecological degradation is evident in the Tshivanga sector, where the canopy cover has dropped to 26%.

In contrast, the Garamba National Park has seen success in wildlife restoration. Through a partnership between Congolese authorities and African Parks, a colony of white rhinoceroses introduced from South Africa has grown from 16 individuals in 2023 to 71 in early 2026, including a newborn. Despite this progress, the 222 eco-guards in Garamba remain on high alert to counter the presence of armed groups and poachers.