What the study found
The study found that the current management of Kahuzi-Biega National Park is creating tension with local populations, especially Indigenous Pygmy peoples. The authors report that exclusion from decision-making has reduced interest in conservation and contributed to social conflict, while inequitable access to basic social services has deepened marginalisation.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that protected-area management should move toward participatory governance that recognises customary and traditional rights. They suggest this is important because the state should guarantee secure access to forest resources while respecting legal and customary pluralism, dignity, physical integrity, and freedom.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used an inductive approach based on documentation, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. They examined the relationship between Indigenous Pygmy land rights and the conservation requirements of Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
What worked and what didn't
The findings indicate that the exclusion of local people from conservation decision-making has not worked well and has been associated with a lack of conservation interest and social implosion. The abstract says the Forestry Code guarantees local use rights in forest concessions, except for agriculture, but in practice these provisions are circumvented or not applied in the park. It also states that co-management, promoted by ICCN since its 2012 strategy, remains theoretical and has no concrete memorandum of understanding with the Indigenous people.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations of the study. Its scope is centered on Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Indigenous Pygmy peoples in eastern DRC, so the findings are specific to that context.
Key points
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park is described as an epicentre of tension between conservation authorities and local Indigenous Pygmy peoples.
- The authors report that excluding local people from decision-making has reduced conservation interest and contributed to social conflict.
- The abstract states that social service access remains inequitable, worsening marginalisation.
- The Forestry Code is said to guarantee local use rights in forest concessions, except for agriculture, but these provisions are not applied in practice at the park.
- Co-management is described as remaining theoretical, with no concrete memorandum of understanding with Indigenous people.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Kahuzi-Biega conservation conflicts with Indigenous land rights
- Authors:
- Jean De Dieu Mangambu Mokoso, Henoc-Pascal Baguma Cihusi, Didi Afundi Ndetshala, Manassé Lwimo Mukenge, Josué Aruna Sefu
- Institutions:
- University of Kinshasa, Université Protestante d'Afrique Centrale, Institut Supérieur de Technique Médicale, Université de Kisangani, Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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