Following the recent deforestation and cultivation of a large area in the Mikeno sector of the Virunga National Park, UNEP, WWF, IGCP, the EU and FZS released emergency funds to support the ICCN with the construction of a dry stone wall to help restore the integrity of the park boundary. This report brings you the latest figures from the field; some 48 days after the construction began.
Progress So Far
By the 22nd August 2004, a total of 7.346km of the wall had been completed with 3.443km built within the last two weeks. This incredible speed has been attributed to the timely payment of salaries, coupled with the prompt delivery of food, totaling over 20 tons of beans, maize flour, palm oil and salt. So far $22,038 has been paid to the associations, with a further $4,540 in food, including the cost of transportation etc. IGCP have now signed a contract with WFP who have agreed to pay food for work from August through to December, with the possibility of an extension if this is required. Medication costs have totaled $136.2 and fuel and primes d’encouragement for the Conservateur Communautaire have come to $104. Tools (pick axes, mallets and crow-bars) have totaled $2649 and it is not expected that more will be needed. Rations for the extra guards came to $285.2, but due to a relatively stable level of security, these extra guards have returned to Rumangabo to be deployed elsewhere.
The number of local associations engaged on the project has increased from 34 to 42, and the 2040 strong workforce comprises 989 men and 1051 women. Six Rwandan associations have now been engaged to build the part of the wall which runs along the international boundary, but a further 12 associations from the Congolese side have now joined them to help speed things along. At the local level, relationships between the Congolese and Rwandans seem to have improved.
The endeavour has received good publicity following the launch of several press releases by the NGO community, and following an on-site report by Reuters, Robert Walker from the BBC broadcast three live reports from Kibumba on the 6th August. A more detailed report, currently in the editing stage, has yet to be released on the BBC and if possible I will forward the time and date of probable transmission.
There are still occasional problems with cattle in the park belonging to Lieutenant Vianney of the Command Post Njerima. This herd gains access to the park through a gap in the wall by a dry riverbed which has been deliberately left open to allow the passage of water. This 10 meter gap will be closed, temporarily at least, using razor wire. A letter will also be sent from the ICCN Conservateur Bangamwabo to the ORTPN Conservateur Rurangirwa, who has already been instrumental in briefing the Rwandan military, to ask him to intervene.
Comment
The rapid intervention by the NGO community, and other international bodies, which resulted in the agreement to fund and build an ‘eco’ wall, has had some really positive effects on the ground. Above all it has demonstrated to the local population the determination and commitment of those pledged to protect this World Heritage site to respond quickly in an emergency and take appropriate action. The construction of the wall clearly demarcates the boundary of the park and will over time be accepted as the limit of cultivation – there will in the interim have to be a patrol programme of visits and inspections along the length of the wall to help establish its legitimacy and integrity. Perhaps the most positive aspect of the wall construction so far has been the integration of the various associations charged with construction, including six from Rwanda, which has helped bring the communities together. It has also been a vehicle for conservation education. As the wall continues to be built, these two important aspects will be fostered with the over-arching aim of providing long-term security to the Mikeno sector.