working
Our departments
1. Technical and Scientific Department (TSD)
Under the leadership of its Director, Mr. Paulin Tshikaya, the DTS (Department of Conservation and Sustainable Development) has established itself as the operational intelligence hub of the ICCN (Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation). Supported by a dynamic secretariat and a cutting-edge laboratory (SMART and Mapping), it guides the conservation strategy through three pillars: the DPDR (Directorate of Parks, Domains and Reserves) headed by Mr. Jules Mayifilua; the Scientific Directorate (research, epidemiological surveillance, library); and the Gardens Directorate led by Ms. Ewing Lopongo Nadine, responsible for ex-situ conservation. The Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, managed by Mr. Gabriel Zabiti, ensures the consistency of performance indicators. In the digital age, the DTS transforms field data into decision-making tools, guaranteeing the sustainable management of Congolese ecosystems through leading-edge scientific expertise.
2. Human Resources Department (HRD)
Led by Professor Godefroid Mwamba, the Human Resources Department is responsible for the ICCN’s human capital. Its structure, organized around a secretariat and specialized directorates, aims for professional excellence. The Human Resources Management Directorate, headed by Ms. Bibiche Ngumbi, centralizes critical functions: compensation, digital database, social welfare, and health. Meanwhile, the Development and Training Directorate, under the leadership of Ms. Thérèse Mussa, prepares staff for the contemporary challenges of conservation. This department is committed to a thorough modernization of administrative processes, promoting transparent and effective career management to support nature wardens throughout the country.
3. Administrative and Financial Department (AFD)
The Administrative and Financial Department (AFD), under the direction of Mr. David Matomene, provides the logistical support and financial stability essential to the Institute’s core missions. Its structure is based on a rigorous framework: the General Services Department, headed by Ms. Innocente Matongo, manages assets and logistics; the Finance Sub-Department, led by Mr. Elie Mabanza, ensures the optimization of cash flow; and the Budget and Accounting Sub-Department, headed by Mr. Papy Ilonga, guarantees budgetary transparency. By integrating paperless financial management systems, the DAF strengthens institutional accountability and operational efficiency, transforming resources into concrete impacts for the preservation of Congolese biodiversity.
4. CITES Authority in the DRC
The CITES Authority in the Democratic Republic of Congo, headed by Mr. Mapilanga Joseph, is the regulatory and control authority for the international trade in endangered species. This department plays a strategic role in the implementation of international conventions and national legislation. It is responsible for issuing permits, monitoring quotas, and providing the technical expertise necessary to combat the illegal trafficking of wild fauna and flora. As part of a digital modernization initiative, the CITES Authority is working to digitize its certification procedures, thereby facilitating traceability and strengthening the DRC’s position as a key player in global environmental governance.
5. National Parks Protection Corps (CorPPN)
The CorPPN (National Parks and Wildlife Service) is the armed wing of conservation efforts, under the command of General Masi Bamba, assisted by two deputy commanders : General David Kitenge and Brigadier General Benoît Kisuki. This paramilitary force, equipped with a headquarters, a secretariat, and operational directorates, ensures the security of protected areas against human-caused threats. In close coordination with the defense and security services, the CorPPN protects the integrity of the national natural territory. The integration of satellite surveillance technologies and drones marks a major technological shift, enhancing the effectiveness of patrols and the protection of emblematic species in the most demanding conditions.
