Socio-Economic Impact of the Creation of Protected Areas on the Well-Being of the Riparian Population of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo

The creation of Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Itombwe Nature Reserve has significantly impacted the socio-economic well-being of riparian populations, primarily through negative effects on traditional household activities such as agriculture, hunting, firewood exploitation, and non-timber forest product collection. Key challenges include declining soil fertility, reduced agricultural yields, resource scarcity, and increased human-wildlife conflicts. The study underscores the need for inclusive conservation strategies that engage local populations to mitigate these adverse impacts.

Basubi, M. M., Bobo, S. K., Kazamwali, L. M., Aseaku, F. N., Maïyanpa, P., & Nyembo, C. K. (2025). Socio-Economic Impact of the Creation of Protected Areas on the Well-Being of the Riparian Population of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve, Democratic Republic of Congo. Open Journal of Ecology, 15(06), 419–434. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2025.156024