The Virunga National Park aka Parc National des Virunga is under its biggest threat yet that would see the park reduced to rumbles and oil drilling take over. The Virunga National Park the epitome of Congo Gorilla safaris which is the oldest in Africa and among the largest on African land mass is under test. Virunga is home to both the critically endangered mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas, and several other unique species like the Okapi. It is rich in bio diversity with waterfalls, giraffes, buffaloes and various birds. The park has seen its dense forests used as military strong hold for rebels and heavy deforestation to acquire charcoal.

In 2012 a UK based Oil Company that runs oil exploration in Angola and Vietnam acquired permission to do seismic testing in the world heritage site that confirmed the presence of oil in the area. The news of this regiment stirred debate about the merits of oil exploration in the Virunga. The project that would involve disruptive forest clearing, drilling and more tests would cause extreme levels of pollution and leave many animals homeless as well as disrupt the eco system of the park.

It is good to note that similar reserves have been found in Lake Albert graben both in Congo and Uganda. Uganda government has however already issued over five oil exploration permits expected to be fully operational by 2018. The eco system in Congo and the area of Lake Albert in Congo is very fragile and oil exploration would greatly harm the environment. Numerous NGOs and various environmental activists worldwide came out to protest against the oil exploration in the region.

In 2014 SOCO and Total gave in to the international voice and cancelled their plans. The conservation community recorded yet another success but not all victory. The DR Congo government is believed to be in process of withdrawing part of Virunga’s boundaries to do oil exploration that is likely to spread from Uganda to Congo. This is a threat to the tourism sector as Congo gorilla safaris are the biggest product of the sector. Tourists, conservationists are called upon to stand to keep oil exploration out of Virunga. This will be louder if we all show that Virunga is better with gorillas than oil drills. If we set out to take a Congo gorilla Safari as it’s among the most authentic Africa Adventure Safari and with proceeds going to conservation of the gorillas and the forex helping to build the nation the best way it can be. In his 66th address to the UN Assembly, former Secretary General said, “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth … these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” In reflection to these words solutions to get energy resources and income should also be solutions to build Congo gorilla safaris.