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State of Conservation (SOC)

Kahuzi-Biega National Park (1991)

UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds
International Assistance granted to the property

Requests Approved: 0 (from1980-1988)
Total Amount Ap proved: 35,120USD

1988 Purchase of a 4x4 Jeep for Kahuzi Biega National Park   20,000  USD
1980 Equipment for Kahuzi-Biega National Park   15,120  USD
Missions**
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Proposed construction of a highway

Corrective Measures
Current conservation issues

The Bureau noted that IUCN had conducted an impact study and recommended that the proposed new road should not go through the Park but be re­routed around the northern boundaries of the Park.

The Bureau was also informed of the fact that the study was being reviewed by the donor financing the road construction project (German bilateral aid agency) and the project also had implications for the ecology of the region.

In a press release dated 30 September, the German Federal Minister for Economic Co-operation announced his decision against German participation in the construction of the last part of the Kisangani-Bukani Road if increased traffic will endanger species within the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The Minister recognized the fact that the Kahuzi-Biega National Park had been given World Heritage Status by UNESCO and reiterated the need to find a solution whereby the road would not go through the Park but could be deviated around the Park. The German Parliament confirmed this decision by letter of 16 October to the Secretariat. The Minister's decision was influenced by the evaluation made by IUCN and the Minister also mentioned that German aid had already been provided for the conservation of Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the improvement of living conditions of people in surrounding areas, combining development and environmental protection interests. 

Conclusion
Decision

  • Adopted

  • Draft Decision

15COMVIII
Link to the decision

Kahuzi Biega National Park (Zaire)

The Committee was glad to note that the Government of Zaire and the German Ministry for Co-operation (BMZ) have dropped plans to construct a road through this Park. The Committee commended the Government of Zaire for its decision and encouraged the BMZ to continue its technical co-operation to strengthen protection of the Kahuzi Biega National Park.

 

No draft Decision

Kahuzi-Biega National Park
State Party:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date of Inscription: 1980
Nomination records (Year): 1979
Category: Natural
Criteria: (x)
Documents
Original Documents
SC.91/CONF.002/04
Other Documents
View inscribed site documents, nomination file, reports, decisions, ...
Exports
Word File
SOC Reports
SOC Reports by year
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
1994
1991
1990
Detailed List of SOC reports
Threats*
Ground transport infrastructure
Inscription on the Danger List
Year: 1997
Threats to the Site:

Grave concern that portions of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park had been deforested and that hunting had been reported there, as well as war and civil strife ravaging the country, led the World Heritage Committee to inscribe the property on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The property has been much affected by the influx of refugees. Park facilities had been looted and destroyed, and most of the park staff have fled the area. The park may also be serving as a hideout for large militia groups, as well as for illegal settlers. This has led to fires, increased poaching and the illegal removal and burning of timber. 


* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.