The counterinsurgency/conservation nexus: guerrilla livelihoods and the dynamics of conflict and violence in the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Strict conservation enforcement and joint military operations in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo, paradoxically intensify armed mobilization by fueling guerrilla livelihoods. These unauthorized activities—such as cultivation, fishing, and logging—often occur under the protection of armed groups, creating a complex interplay between resource exploitation, conflict dynamics, and insurgent resistance. The study demonstrates that traditional conservation strategies may inadvertently exacerbate violence rather than mitigate it, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches that address both ecological preservation and local livelihood security.

Verweijen, J., & Marijnen, E. (2016). The counterinsurgency/conservation nexus: guerrilla livelihoods and the dynamics of conflict and violence in the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Journal of Peasant Studies, 45(2), 300–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/03066150.2016.1203307