On World Population Day: Why People and Park Must Thrive Together in Upemba

Communication
Jul 11
2 min read

Every year on July 11, World Population Day offers a chance to reflect on how our growing population shapes the world we live in – and how we, in turn, shape nature. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Upemba National Park offers a striking example of the deep interdependence between people and the planet.

Home to the antelope Lechwe, the last herds of pure savanna elephants in the country and the last wild zebras in the DRC, and the last buffalos of the Katanga, Upemba is more than a biodiversity haven. It is a living landscape where human and ecological histories intertwine. But as population growth accelerates across the Katanga region, pressures on land, water, and wildlife are mounting. This tension between conservation and human development is not unique to Upemba – it is a global story unfolding in real time.

The Population-Nature Nexus

As communities grow and expand, so too does the demand for farmland, wood, minerals, and freshwater. In regions like those surrounding Upemba, this growth often translates into habitat loss, unsustainable resource use, and human-wildlife conflict. These challenges are compounded by climate stress, poverty, and limited access to sustainable livelihoods.

Yet, population is not the problem – unsustainable systems are. Conservation must not pit people against parks. Instead, it must create synergies where both can thrive.

A New Model Emerging in Upemba

In Upemba, we are embracing a conservation model that recognizes the central role of people – not just as beneficiaries of nature, but as active stewards of it. Through partnerships with local communities, we are investing in education, sustainable agriculture, alternative livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Our elephant and zebra collaring operations, patrols, development initiatives, and upcoming environmental education programs are part of a broader vision: one where population growth does not mean ecological decline, but rather an opportunity for inclusive development anchored in a healthy natural environment.

Conservation Is Population Policy

Healthy ecosystems provide clean water, fertile soils, pollination, and flood control – all vital to human health and security. When conservation works, it strengthens the foundations of local economies and reduces the vulnerabilities that come with rapid demographic change.

On this World Population Day, Upemba reminds us that conservation is not a luxury – it is a necessity in the face of population pressures. By protecting nature, we are not just saving species – we are safeguarding futures. Let us build a future where human dignity and ecological integrity go hand in hand. In Upemba and beyond, this is the population–nature pact we must keep.