Biodiversity Governance and Regional Insurgencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo

A critical link between biodiversity governance and regional insurgencies has been revealed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly within its protected areas. The study highlights how insurgent groups exploit these regions, using them as training grounds, rear base camps, or sources for war economies, thereby undermining conservation efforts. Despite DRC's ambitious target to expand protected areas to 17% of its national territory—up from the current 12%—most sites, including the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, face significant challenges in achieving their conservation objectives due to these power dynamics and transnational conflicts. The research employs a contextualized analysis, focusing on empirical evidence from the Okapi Wildlife Reserve to examine this understudied phenomenon. This work provides crucial insights into the interplay between global sustainability goals and local security crises, challenging conventional approaches to biodiversity management.

Majambu, E., Kavira Muyisa, S., & Ongolo, S. (2023). Biodiversity Governance and Regional Insurgencies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Power Dynamics in African Forests, 156–168. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003363101-8