DRC Conservationist Reconciles Wildlife and Displaced Communities

Dominique Bikaba, founder of Strong Roots Congo, is dedicated to conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Having experienced displacement from his ancestral lands as a child, Bikaba now works to reconcile conservation goals with the rights of Indigenous communities. His organization aims to create a vital biodiversity corridor connecting Kahuzi-Biega National Park with Itombwe nature reserve.

This ambitious project seeks to secure 1 million hectares (2.47 million acres) for wildlife and local populations. So far, Strong Roots Congo has facilitated the establishment of 23 community forests, covering approximately 600,000 hectares. These efforts involve converting customary land tenure into legally recognized concessions, mirroring successful models in Latin America.

Conservation in the region is complicated by more than three decades of ongoing conflict and insecurity. Despite these challenges, Bikaba's vision prioritizes community involvement, recognizing the deep historical relationship between Indigenous peoples and the forest. The initiative also focuses on improving the livelihoods of local people, fostering coexistence and mutual benefit.

Bikaba advocates for conservation approaches that view human communities as integral to nature, not as threats. His work is driven by a sense of restitution, aiming to reintegrate communities and enable them to thrive. He stresses the urgent need to end the war in the region, recognizing that peace is essential for both human well-being and the survival of species like the Grauer's gorilla.