TBNClimate
Communities around DRC’s Upemba National Park say conservation comes at a cost
Publication: Conservation news
Authors: Calvin Rock, Dan Yessa
Source published: 12/11/2026, 14:49:02 UTC
Briefing created: 12/11/2026, 15:04:37 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 12/11/2026, 14:54:24 UTC.
Briefings
Communities near Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo face severe livelihood challenges due to conservation restrictions. Since 2015, access to the park has become difficult, affecting residents who rely on the forest for food, medicine, and farming. Approximately 85% of households in Kisandji, located 13 km from the park, depend primarily on farming for survival. The article highlights the tension between national anti-poaching efforts and local subsistence needs, noting that without electricity, water, or healthcare, the forest remains essential for income and survival.
Key points
- Residents of Kisandji, an ethnically diverse village 13 km from Upemba National Park, rely on the parkland for food, medicine, and farming.
- Around 85% of households in Kisandji depend primarily on farming for survival, making access to the parkland critical for their livelihood.
Context
This article documents the conflict between national conservation efforts and local subsistence needs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It highlights the specific case of Kisandji, where access to the park has become restricted since 2015 due to anti-poaching measures, impacting a population heavily dependent on the forest for survival.
Limitations
Evidence covers only the Kisandji village and its immediate context. Data on other communities is not provided. The article does not offer specific statistics on poaching rates, park size, or economic impacts beyond the 85% farming dependency figure.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 12/11/2026, 15:04:37 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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