ICCN Reports Illegal Mineral Exploitation in UNESCO-Protected Okapi Wildlife Reserve
The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) has recently reported the illegal mineral exploitation by Chinese nationals in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This illicit activity is taking place within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (RFO), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to a denunciation published on Friday, August 9, 2024, the ICCN claims that “Chinese nationals, aided by local collaborators, are involved in illegal mining activities.”
The ICCN’s report highlights that these activities are in direct violation of Law No. 014/003 of February 11, 2014, which prohibits any actions incompatible with conservation objectives within protected areas. These illegal operators are allegedly encouraging nearby communities to establish new villages close to the mining sites, further exploiting the area in contravention of RFO regulations.
The ICCN has alerted both the DRC government and the international community about the threat posed to the RFO by this destructive mining. The ICCN demands that these illegal operators cease their activities immediately or face legal consequences.
The RFO, established on May 2, 1992, under Ministerial Order No. 45/CM/ECN/92, is one of Africa’s most significant protected areas. It is renowned for preserving the Okapi, a rare and distinctive species found only in the DRC, particularly in the Epulu reserve in Ituri.
The region, plagued by recurring armed conflicts, has seen repeated attacks on its wildlife. Known for its rich gold deposits, Ituri is heavily exploited by both legal and illegal miners who are now encroaching on this UNESCO-protected area.
The ICCN urges the state to take decisive action to address and resolve this ongoing environmental and conservation crisis.
