The battle for DR Congo's wildlife
September 21, 2004
Despite the Democratic Republic of Congo's shaky peace, her five World Heritage site national parks and their wildlife and unique ecosystems remain endangered.
Donors at a Unesco conference in Paris have just pledged $40m to protect DR Congo's natural heritage, but for conservationists on the ground the parks remain a battle ground.
In Virunga Park, rangers who try to protect the wildlife have become victims of attacks by hundreds of roaming armed men who operate in the park's vast territory.
"They poach the animals, they attack the villagers who live in the park and they even target the rangers" says Deogratias Mbula, Virunga Park's director.
Since 1996, out of 700 park rangers, 105 have been killed, Mr Mbula says.
Further information is available on the BBC News site.
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