Local knowledge and natural resources management: case study of the Kahuzi Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo

A significant disconnect exists between local communities and the management of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, with 70.2% of respondents feeling excluded from decision-making processes. Barriers to engagement include lack of information (46.4%), legal recognition issues (8.9%), and conflicts of interest (21.8%). Traditional ecological knowledge, such as seasonal hunting closures and sacred forest protection, is widely practiced but largely excluded from current management strategies. Ethnic variations in biodiversity-friendly practices were observed, with the Shi group demonstrating higher adherence to these measures compared to others like the Lega, Havu, and Tembo. The study, involving 550 respondents from 11 villages through mixed-methods approaches including questionnaires and interviews, highlights the need for inclusive governance frameworks that integrate local knowledge and foster co-management to balance biodiversity conservation with community livelihoods and cultural values.

Malimbo, D. K., Vitekere, K., Mayongo-Lenzi, S.-F., Lango, L. M., Mapendo, P., & Sengemoja, E. K. (2025). Local knowledge and natural resources management: case study of the Kahuzi Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Biodiversity Journal, 16(4), 637–651. https://doi.org/10.31396/biodiv.jour.2025.16.4.637.651