AR-News: Forest Destruction in the Virunga National Park

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From:  primfocus at waste.org 
Sent: Friday, June 18, 2004 9:35 AM
Subject: primfocus: Forest Destruction in the Virunga National Park



Forest Destruction in the Virunga National Park

Since 19 May a large area of forest has been destroyed systematically at the Mikeno, within the national park. The deforestation is carried out by the Rwandan population, tolerated by the Rwandan army. They are crossing the border with their cattle without any interference. The valuable montane forest at Kibumba is vanishing with incredible speed. Trees are felled and on that area crops are cultivated and cattle are grazing. Approximately 6000 Rwandans are present in the area. The deforestation was initiated and financed by the Rwandan government.
15 km² of rainforest had been cleared until 10 June. The distribution area of the mountain gorillas is concerned too; gorilla monitoring in Bukima had to be stopped for security reasons. If this activity continues with the same speed, the whole forest will be destroyed within a few months. The Congolese national park authority ICCN cannot keep the people away as they are protected by the Rwandan army. International support is necessary!

Summary of information from ICCN and IGCP 
The complete IGCP report (915 KB)is available for download at 
www.berggorilla.de/igcp-mikeno.doc


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