Upemba National Park Graduates New Rangers to Strengthen Biodiversity Protection

On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, a ceremony was held at the UNP Headquarters – the Lusinga Station – to mark the graduation of new Rangers of the Upemba National Park. After three months of intensive training, a total of 30 young men and one woman joined the ranks of the UNP rangers following a long recruitment process that saw the participation of hundreds of young people from surrounding communities and beyond.

The ceremony, presided over by the Deputy Director General (DGA) of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), Mr. Théophile Ngombo Difumba, was honored by the presence of various guests, including administrative authorities from Mitwaba territory, a representative of CorPPN, members of ICCN’s provincial leadership, and representatives from security services and traditional authorities from the surrounding communities.

A series of activities was on the program, including parades and various demonstrations showcasing what the new protectors had learned. Addressing the graduates, the DGA reminded them that joining the ranks of rangers represented a major transitional step from civilian life to a paramilitary role. “Your role is noble, and we invite you to carry it out in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Republic of Congo and human rights,” he stated.

The training of these new rangers is part of efforts to strengthen the workforce and enhance the skills of UNP rangers to ensure effective conservation and preservation of biodiversity in this protected area. These efforts enable Upemba to contribute to Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of land, water, and seas by 2030. They also enable the UNP to help protect some of the 17% of the national territory designated for nature conservation.

Finally, this ceremony represents a significant milestone in the rebirth of the UNP, a park that has seen tremendous transformation over the past few years. The progress is made possible by concerted management efforts under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between ICCN and Forgotten Parks, with support from various partners, including the European Union. The new eco-guards represent a new direction that will enable the UNP to fulfil its ecological role not only for the region but also for the DRC, Africa, and the world. As the saying goes: The best is yet to come!