Natural Heritage
Our Protected Areas
Today the network of protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo includes 8 national parks, 63 hunting estates and reserves, 4 Botanical Gardens and 4 Zoological Gardens managed by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN).
PRESENTATION OF THE PROTECTED AREAS OF THE DRC
“We keep the future”
THE COMMUNITY RESERVE
Protected area created on the initiative of a local community or an indigenous people, on all or part of its land or forests, with a view to ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources for the benefit of the said community or people.
The Green Corridor (CVKK)
Strategic importance :
This corridor is a pillar of the national ecological connectivity strategy. It aims to restore and maintain biological flows between the ecosystems of the Congo Basin.
Vision of the Supreme Conservative :
Driven by the vision of the Head of State, the Green Corridor symbolizes the commitment of the DRC as “Solution Country” in the face of climate change, reconciling the preservation of primary forests and the socio-economic development of the riparian populations.
THE NATIONAL PARKS
Protected area established to protect ecosystems of national or international significance, for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational or tourist purposes.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Virunga National Park : The oldest park in Africa, famous for its mountain gorillas and active volcanoes.
- Garamba National Park : Sanctuary of the southern white rhinos, the last elephants and giraffes of the North, characterized by its vast savannahs.
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park : Main refuge of the Gorilla de Grauer (Eastern plain).
- Salonga National Park : The largest rainforest reserve in the world.
- Wildlife Reserve in Okapis (RFO) : Although classified "Reserve", it enjoys the status of World Heritage site for its unique biodiversity.
Other National Parks :
- Upemba National Park : Unique landscape diversity (lakes, savannas, mountains) housing the Zebra of Grant.
- Kundelungu National Park : Known for the Lofoi Falls, the highest in Africa.
- Maiko National Park : Dense forest housing endemic species such as the Peacock of Congo.
- Lomami National Park : The latest addition to the national parks, protecting the Lesula, a species of primate recently discovered.
NATURAL RESERVES AND AREAS (> 60)
- Nature Reserve : A protected area managed primarily for conservation purposes, with access restrictions to preserve specific species or habitats.
- Area : Managed space for the sustainable use of natural resources, often including hunting or scientific development areas.
The ICCN manages more than 60 sites spread throughout the national territory, illustrating the richness of Congolese ecosystems.
- Light reserves : These include the Lomako-Yokokala Wildlife Reserve (protection of the Bonobo) and the Tumba Lediima Nature Reserve.
- Diversity : The network includes wildlife reserves, biosphere reserves and hunting grounds to regulate wildlife exploitation.
BOTANICAL AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
Definitions :
- Botanical Garden : Institution holding documented collections of living plants for research, conservation, demonstration and education purposes.
- Zoological Garden : Establishment where wild animals are kept for their presentation to the public and their ex-situ conservation.
List of 8 gardens of the DRC:
1. Kinshasa Botanical Garden : True green lung in the heart of the capital.
2. Zoological Garden of Kinshasa : Historical site for wildlife awareness.
3. Kisantu Botanical Garden : World reference for tropical floristic diversity.
4. Eala Botanical Garden (Mbandaka) : Center for forestry and agricultural research.
5. Lubumbashi Zoological Garden : Major attraction of Haut-Katanga.
6. Zoological Garden of Kisangani.
7. Botanical Garden of Gbadolite.
8. Gbadolite Zoological Garden.
THE RAMSAR SITES
Wetlands of international importance recognized for their vital ecological role, including as habitats for migratory birds and water cycle regulators.
Sites majeurs en RDC gérés par l’ICCN :
- The Upemba Lakes complex.
- The Lufira basin.
- The Marine Park of the Mangroves.
- The wetland of Ngiri.
