Promoting Long-Term Conservation and Peace in Virunga National Park by Strengthening Ranger Capacity

The purpose of this new five-year grant is to support the ranger force of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo in its mission to protect the integrity of this highly biodiverse landscape.

Virunga National Park, established in 1925, is Africa's first national park, and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.

It is the only park in the world with three species of apes, including roughly one third of the worlds mountain gorillas.

The ranger forces mission is key to achieving the parks long-term strategy of addressing the root causes of threats through sustainable economic (including hydropower and tourism) and social development programs.

The funding source is a 632(a) transfer from USAID; transfer responsibilities include implementation of the Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE).