Extinction Rebellion movement calls for no oil exploitation in Virunga National Park in DRC
The Extinction Rebellion climate movement, section of the territory of Rutshuru (North Kivu), asks the local population of the Virunga National Park to stand up as one man to say no to any oil exploitation and or exploration project . This call is part of the Fossil Free Virunga campaign initiated by the climate movement 350.Org
“Our commitment in the Fossil Free Virunga campaign is to awaken the conscience of local communities so that they understand that there is an urgency to stand up and say no to any oil exploitation project in this mega area. protected,” said François Kamate, an activist and member of the climate movement Extinction Rébellion/Rutshuru.
Extinction Rébellion/Rutshuru is also appealing to the countries of the North to finance community development projects in favor of the communities bordering the Virunga Park, but also to monitor their implementation.
“This is an opportunity to call on the polluting countries to initiate adaptation projects in favor of the local communities of the Virunga Park but also to have a watchful eye on the realization, the implementation of all these projects. “, added François Kamate.
In the territory of Rutshuru as in the whole world, the consequences linked to climate change are already being felt. Cases of prolonged droughts, repeated erosions and floods are reported every year, not to mention the poverty that goes with it.
Authorizing the exploitation of oil in Virunga National Park will only increase the poverty of this population who depend on hunting and fishing on Lake Edward.
