Impact of the Community-Based Conservation Approach on the Conflict Management around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve

Community-based conservation strategies significantly reduce conflicts around Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) and Itombwe Nature Reserve (INR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to a recent study. The research identifies five key conflict types—land use disputes, resource extraction, poaching, agricultural expansion, and livestock grazing—and demonstrates that community involvement, fair compensation, and contractual agreements effectively mitigate these issues. Socio-economic surveys conducted across twelve bordering villages revealed local populations' perceptions of both the benefits and challenges posed by conservation efforts. The findings underscore the importance of collaborative approaches in balancing ecological protection with livelihood needs, offering actionable strategies for sustainable conflict resolution in protected areas.

Basubi, M. M., & Bobo, K. S. (2025). Impact of the Community-Based Conservation Approach on the Conflict Management around the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Nature Reserve. Open Journal of Ecology, 15(08), 451–466. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2025.158026