Democratic Republic of the Congo: Partnership established with conservation authority to protect mountain gorillas

Our team in the Democratic Republic of the Congo took an important step for long-term nature conservation on April 10, 2026: a technical and institutional partnership was established with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN).

The aim of the meeting was to specifically strengthen our cooperation in the Virunga region – especially in the Mikeno sub-sector, a key habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas.

During the exchange, we were able to present our “Education for Conservation” (E4C) approach, which was officially recognized by ICCN and classified as useful for the region.

Specific next steps were defined together:

→ Expansion of playgroups in new communities (including Kibumba, Gatovu, Bukima, Rugari)
→ Greater integration of environmental education and early childhood development
→ Development of joint measures in direct gorilla conservation
→ Closer technical cooperation in the Mikeno sub-sector

In addition, a joint visit to our playgroups in Rumangabo and Kabaya is planned in order to further evaluate their impact on site.

For the first time, the partnership creates a structured basis for our work with state nature conservation authorities in eastern DR Congo and strengthens our ability to implement projects in the long term in the context of conflict, poverty and biodiversity loss.

This development is crucial: sustainable species conservation is created where local communities, organizations and state institutions work together.