Regional Conservation in the Virunga-Bwindi Region: The Impact of Transfrontier Collaboration Through the Experiences of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme

• Published in: Journal of sustainable forestry 2003, Vol.17 (1-2), p.189-204
• Main Authors: Rainer, Helga, Asuma, Stephen, Gray, Maryke, Kalpers, Jose, Kayitare, Anecto, Rutagarama, Eugene, Sivha, Mbake, Lanjouw, Annette
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; Democratic Republic of Congo; Gorilla beringei beringe; International Gorilla Conservation Programme; Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; mountain gorilla; Parc National des Virunga; Parc National des Volcans; Regional conservation framework; Rwanda; transboundary protected area; Uganda
• ISSN: 1054-9811; 1540-756X
• DOI: 10.1300/J091v17n01_11

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Volcano region are the last remaining habitats of the highly endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). This conservation area, shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also acts as a refuge for biodiversity and high endemism in the Albertine Rift of Central East Africa. This particular region has suffered from a number of years of civil strife, which have severely affected the management of these forests. This paper will explore the experiences of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) obtained throughout the development of regional processes that are working towards establishing a transboundary-protected area. The establishment of a regional framework and tools utilized are described. The costs and constraints incurred by the IGCP and the resulting positive impacts on conservation are also highlighted.