15-06-2013
(c) CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture
A large number of civil society organizations and local stakeholders signed a declaration demanding that the Congolese government takes meaningful action to protect the nature and people of Virunga National Park in DR Congo. The “Declaration of Butembo” urges the government to end the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the insecurity caused by armed groups. Involving local communities is put forward as the main strategy to improve the management of natural resources in the area. Traditional chiefs and civil society should play a large role in the mobilization of these communities.
SAVE VIRUNGA 