- In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, pressure on Virunga National Park reflects deeper economic and governance dynamics, where conservation competes with immediate livelihood needs tied to charcoal production and agriculture.
- Emmanuel de Merode frames environmental decline as a consequence of how people earn a living, arguing that protecting biodiversity requires addressing energy acce...
The narrative presented in this analysis highlights a critical tension between conservation and economic survival in conflict zones. At its strongest, it demonstrates how Virunga National Park’s integrated model—combining renewable energy, financial access, and localized security—offers a pragmatic alternative to extractive economies. The approach acknowledges that conservation cannot succeed in isolation from the economic realities of communities dependent on charcoal and agriculture. The Green...