Title:
Safeguarding rangers, protecting wildlife: Upemba's road to recovery
Publication Year:
2025
Abstract:

Upemba National Park, one of the Democratic Republic of Congo's oldest parks, is undergoing a remarkable recovery. Situated in the country's southeast, the park has a long history of conservation and ecological significance. Once brimming with biodiversity, it supported 1,800 species, including lion, cheetah, and buffalo. During its peak, vast herds of elephants - estimated in tens of thousands - roamed the park. Over the decades, however, it endured neglect, exploitation, conflict, and poaching, severely diminishing its rich biodiversity. Once called "the Triangle of Death," Upemba's rangers faced direct attacks from armed militia groups targeting outposts and patrol teams. Without situational awareness, they were vulnerable, faced increased risks, and struggled to respond to threats against wildlife, which further complicated conservation efforts. Despite these challenges, Upemba remained a vital ecological stronghold, and in 2022, efforts began to revitalize the landscape. With support from the Forgotten Parks Foundation, the Congolese government undertook the significant challenge of ensuring Upemba's long-term protection. Restoring its biodiversity required addressing key conservation challenges, such as enhancing real-time monitoring, reducing data collection delays, and mitigating growing security threats to personnel.

Series Title:
EarthRanger
Item Type:
Website
Language:
en

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