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Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Factors affecting the property in 1991*
  • Ground transport infrastructure
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

Proposed construction of a highway

International Assistance: requests for the property until 1991
Requests approved: 2 (from 1980-1988)
Total amount approved : 35,120 USD
1988 Purchase of a 4x4 Jeep for Kahuzi Biega National Park (Approved)   20,000 USD
1980 Equipment for Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Approved)   15,120 USD
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 1991

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. 

Decisions adopted by the Committee in 1991
15 BUR VI.50
Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Zaire)

Since the last session of the Committee, IUCN has conducted an impact study and recommended that the proposed new road not go through the park but be re-routed around the northern boundaries of the park. The Bureau noted that the study is now being reviewed by the donor financing the road-construction project (KFW and the GTZ of Germany) and that the project also has several implications for the ecology of the region. The Bureau requested IUCN and the Secretariat to follow the progress and submit a report at the next session of the Committee.

15 COM VIII
SOC: Kahuzi Biega National Park (Zaire)

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

Report year: 1991
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date of Inscription: 1980
Category: Natural
Criteria: (x)
Danger List (dates): 1997-present
Documents examined by the Committee
arrow_circle_right 15COM (1991)
Exports

* : 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.


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