Journey to Bili-Uele Underscores AWF's Commitment to Conservation in DRC

In the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest, nestled over 3,000 kilometers northeast of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, lies the Bili-Uele Protected Area Complex—a sanctuary spanning over 40,000 square kilometers. This vast and vibrant landscape is not only a haven for eastern chimpanzees and forest elephants but also a critical component of a global carbon sink vital for regulating our planet's climate.

THE BILI-UELE LANDSCAPE

Bili-Uele is extremely remote, requiring an arduous two-day journey by motorbike through dense forests, winding rivers, and narrow paths. Recently, AWF’s Senior Safeguard Officer, Dodo Moke, and Communication Assistant, Rachel Emisave, embarked on this arduous journey, traveling 598 kilometers starting from Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province. Kisangani, a vibrant city in the northeastern DRC, is situated approximately 2,900 kilometers from Kinshasa, the national capital. The route to Bili-Uele, fraught with security checkpoints and unpredictable conditions, underscores the dedication required to reach this unique ecosystem.

On the first day, the team set off from Kisangani, covering 128 kilometers in six hours before crossing the Banalia River by speedboat. As the day progressed, they navigated narrow roads crowded with speeding motorcycles, finally arriving in the town of Buta at 9 PM. Altogether, they completed 327 kilometers.

Crossing River Banalia

Undeterred by heavy rain, they resumed their journey at 4 AM, the following day. They braved five hours of muddy terrain, covering another 271 kilometers. After crossing the Uere and Uélé rivers by canoe, they finally reached the Bili-Uélé Hunting Estate base at 5 PM. Despite the challenging journey, their determination paid off as they successfully connected with local authorities and community members—a crucial step in advancing conservation efforts in the region.

AWF’s Senior Safeguard Officer, Dodo Moke en route to Bili-Uele.

During the ten-day field visit, the team traveled and engaged local communities in Bondo and Ango territories, encompassing the chiefdoms of Gwamangi, Bosso, and Sasa, as well as the eight communities of Bulumasi, Mzee, Baday, Digba2, Sukadi, Matindi, Salu, and Ngalu.

The field visit, supported by the EU NATURAFRICA program, was part of AWF's ongoing initiative to implement a Rights-Based Approach to conservation in the Bili-Uele Landscape. AWF supported the initial training, awareness campaigns, and implementation of the complaint management mechanism in 2023, laying the groundwork for this year's EU-supported field visit.

The AWF's rights-based approach to conservation prioritizes understanding and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, ensuring their meaningful participation in conservation efforts. A key element is the complaint management mechanism, which helps resolve conflicts between community members and conservation actors.

Merveille Elikya, a community conservation eco-guard, observed the positive impacts of the initiative, noting that the training has fostered a more respectful approach towards the local community.

"The training on rights-based approach has been eye-opening. I can now assure my fellow officers that it's not about limiting our work. In fact, respecting human rights makes us more effective. It builds trust and encourages the community to become active partners in conservation," Elikya explained.

Sulemani Sulenyesi, Chairman of the Complaint Management Mechanism/Bili Committee, observed a shift in the eco-guards' behavior: “Since we implemented the complaint management mechanism, I've noticed that the eco-guards are becoming increasingly disciplined. The mechanism has also helped our community to better understand its rights and duties regarding natural resource management.”

Roger Dangako, chief of the Bosso chiefdom, added that the partnership between AWF and ICCN has fostered a more harmonious relationship between the community and eco-guards. 

"AWF and ICCN's efforts in educating the community have given us leaders a strong reason to support this collaborative approach to rights-based conservation," stated Dangako. "It's time for all of us to unite and progress, with transparency as our guiding principle."

AWF's SENIOR SAFEGUARD OFFICER DODO MOKE ENGAGES ICCN OFFICERS FROM BILI-UELE.

Moke emphasizes that AWF's goal is not to replace community leaders, but rather to work in partnership, ensuring they retain their influence and feel empowered within their communities.

"My role is to empower the local community by recognizing their deep understanding of the landscape and assuring them of our support," Moke explains. "Collaboration between the community and conservationists is vital for everyone to achieve their goals. Ultimately, improved collaboration between eco-guards and the community leads to more effective conservation efforts."

Since 2016, AWF has forged a strong partnership with local communities and government agencies in the Bili-Uele Landscape, working hand-in-hand to preserve its rich and diverse ecosystems. Through support from partners and the tireless dedication of staff like Moke, AWF has extended its reach to even the most remote and underserved communities within the vast Bili-Uele region.

These communities are now empowered with the rights-based approach to conservation, along with other innovative, community-centric initiatives that respect and amplify local voices. This transformative approach sets a new standard for conservation, ensuring a harmonious and sustainable future where both people and wildlife can thrive.

Read more about how the rights-based approach redefines conservation in DRC