In Danger

A tragic incident at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscores the severe threats faced by conservation efforts. On 17 September 2020, two employees of the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) were murdered at the Adusa post, the entrance to the reserve. This violent attack highlights the perilous conditions endured by those working to protect this globally significant site, home to the endangered okapi and other unique biodiversity. The incident was strongly condemned by UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security measures and international support to safeguard both personnel and the reserve's ecological integrity.

(Ed.). (2020). In Danger. World Heritage Review, 2020(96), 52. https://doi.org/10.18356/27887138-2020-96-9