Working to benefit gorillas and local communities

A drama is unfolding in the small town of Kanyabayonga, where oil exploration threatens to bring disaster and misery to the region: Polluted waters, destroyed livelihoods, and devastated wildlife habitats paint a grim picture. Fortunately, this is only a scene in a play.

However, this fictional scenario could become reality if the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) succeeds in attracting oil companies. In July 2022, the government auctioned 27 oil and 3 gas fields, some located in the fragile ecosystem of the Cuvette Centrale – the largest tropical peat bog – and nine overlapping with protected areas, including the renowned Virunga National Park.

The last mountain gorillas

Critically endangered mountain gorillas inhabit the slopes of several volcanoes. Some groups have adapted to human presence, drawing wealthy tourists during peacetime. These tourists enjoy luxurious accommodations, while nearby villagers live in poverty. Little of the revenue generated by tourism reaches local communities, who often view the national park as restrictive – for instance, by prohibiting them from collecting firewood. This economic disparity makes the oil industry’s false promises of prosperity appealing to locals.

However, Virunga National Park is plagued by violent conflict. Militias and poachers operate within its boundaries, clashing with heavily armed rangers in frequent firefights. Local residents also report human rights abuses by park rangers. Now, an ecological threat adds to these challenges.

Our partner: Réseau CREF

In October 2024, the government abruptly canceled its oil field auction. Yet environmentalists remain wary: François Biloko, president of Réseau CREF, described this as merely a “brief victory in a long war,” warning that the government remains determined to profit from oil and gas. Indeed, shortly after the suspension, licensing resumed.

Réseau CREF is prepared to resist. A partner of Rainforest Rescue since 2018, the organization has extensive experience raising awareness about the dangers of fossil fuel extraction in communities near oil fields in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. In 2014, they successfully pressured oil company SOCO to exit the Virunga region.

The organization regularly conducts workshops to educate people about the risks of oil exploration. During a visit to Kanyabayonga in late 2021, we joined Réseau CREF at a workshop attended by 25 representatives from local organizations supporting fishermen, youth groups, and small farmers.

Clarice Butsapu from Réseau CREF cautioned against believing the oil industry’s promises: “Poor people see little reason to fight for nature and national parks if they feel these parks only deepen their poverty.”

To engage directly with communities, Réseau CREF has commissioned a theater group to tour North Kivu province. “The play inspires people to take an active role in protecting their environment and rights,” said Biloko. The organization also uses film screenings and radio programs as outreach tools. Local musicians Mulyaboss and DJ Shukra even composed a song for the campaign – “clear language for a complex issue,” noted Butsapu.

Working under difficult conditions

The work of Réseau CREF is complicated by eastern DRC’s dire security situation. Over 100 armed groups operate in the region, including within Virunga National Park. Adding to these challenges is Nyiragongo volcano near Goma; its May 22, 2021 eruption devastated parts of the city. Rainforest Rescue provided emergency financial aid to support Réseau CREF during this crisis.

Whether or not the fossil fuel industry invades the Congo Basin remains uncertain. For now, Réseau CREF continues visiting towns like Kanyabayonga to inform communities and spread their message – armed with a projector for presentations and accompanied by their theater troupe.