Biodiversity Conservation and Indigenous People Involvement in the Park Benefits-sharing: A Case of Batwa of Mikeno Sector around Virunga National Park, DRCongo
Author : Bakole Y Eliode, Twinamatsiko Medard, Clementia Neema and Denyse Snelder
Abstract :
This study examined the Involvement of Indigenous People Batwa of the Mikeno sector in the Virunga National Park benefits-sharing, in DRCongo. Despite efforts to conserve biodiversity, there has been a decrease of species in the ViNP and little attention is paid to involve local communities including indigenous Batwa people. These communities express concerns over their lack of participation in the nomination, declaration, and management of world heritage sites. The study used a mixed-method approach in which descriptive and exploratory research designs were utilized. Results revealed that the ViNP benefit-sharing with Batwa is in terms of community projects. However, the Batwa are still living in poverty, their involvement in the benefit-sharing and access to jobs in the park are limited due to their low level of education. The sharing of revenues linked to the benefit of the Park is not yet well defined. According to the draft of the Virunga National Park’s management plan, 30% of revenue from tourism must go to the communities. The study recommends first improve their level of education, implement the Batwa employment strategic plan, urgently approve and implement the ViNP management plan, implement a proposed park benefit-sharing scheme and a compensation plan.
Keywords :
Biodiversity conservation, indigenous people, involvement, benefit-sharing.
