Business in the Heart of Darkness: SOCO's Oil Exploration in the Virunga National Park

SOCO International's oil exploration activities in Virunga National Park sparked unprecedented global backlash. The study highlights the ethical and operational challenges faced by multinational corporations when balancing profit motives with conservation imperatives in ecologically sensitive regions. Using a case study approach, the research examines SOCO's 20-year trajectory of navigating high-risk environments while delivering investor returns—culminating in intense controversy over its operations in Virunga's biodiversity-rich landscape. The analysis underscores the complex intersections of corporate strategy, environmental governance, and public perception in protected areas.

Morjaria, A., & Snyder, C. (2021). Business in the Heart of Darkness: SOCO’s Oil Exploration in the Virunga National Park. Kellogg School of Management Cases, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/case.kellogg.2021.000018