Washington — The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today approved US$14.64 million to enhance the Democratic Republic of Congo's capacity to manage its vast network of protected areas, comprised of seven national parks and 57 nature and hunting reserves covering some 22 million hectares rich in globally-important biodiversity.
"The DRC's parks and reserves have been internationally recognized for their world-class natural treasures, but many are threatened by illegal logging, encroachment by surrounding communities, and poaching," said Eustache Ouayoro, World Bank Country Director for Democratic Republic of Congo. "Today's Project is expected to help preserve the DRC's world class biodiversity, improve the long-term viability of the national parks system, and help to bring jobs and stability to the country's war-torn communities."
...