Oil in North Kivu

Oil exploration forms a serious threat to the oldest and most precious nature reserve in Africa: the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Local communities, conservationists and human rights organizations oppose the search for oil; according to both national and international laws it is illegal to search for oil in the park.

IUCN NL has produced two videos on oil exploration in Virunga and its potential environmental and human rights impact. These local stories were filmed in the region of North Kivu. They are intended to give a voice to local communities living in and around Virunga National Park. It is their voice, their fears and feelings about oil development in North Kivu.

Virunga National Park harbors a greater variety of plant and animal species than any other region in Africa. The area is home to the world’s last mountain gorillas, as well as hippos and numerous bird species. Nature provides a source of income for local communities: they derive income from increasing eco-tourism activities, and 50.000 people in the region obtain clean water and fish from the ecosystems in the park.

Oil in North Kivu: The Promise of Oil expresses the fears of locals and the promises made to local communities by the oil company SOCO during the exploration phase of Block V in Virunga National Park.

Source: What if We Change

IN FRENCH: