Customary Rights and the New Conservation Paradigm in the Context of the Conflict in Kahuzi Biega National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB) faces significant challenges in balancing conservation with the customary rights of indigenous Batwa communities, particularly amid ongoing conflict. Research reveals that 54.5% of the Batwa's former camps and cultural spaces within the park show traces of occupation, indicating their continued connection to ancestral lands despite displacement. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive development plan that integrates cultural, environmental, and educational strategies to reconcile conservation goals with indigenous rights. This approach is essential in addressing the complex socio-ecological dynamics at play, ensuring sustainable coexistence between conservation efforts and the livelihoods of local communities.

Isumbisho, P. M., Mokoso, J. D. D. M., Lomalisa, R. K., & Manirakiza, R. (2023). Customary Rights and the New Conservation Paradigm in the Context of the Conflict in Kahuzi Biega National Park in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 6(1), 325–339. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.6.1.1428