The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature and African Parks have partnered for the co-management of Kundelungu National Park
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 3 October 2025 – The Congolese Institute for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) and African Parks have formalised a long-term partnership to manage Kundelungu National Park, marking a pivotal moment in the conservation of one of DRC’s most important protected areas.
Along with this new mandate, African Parks has renewed its long term partnership with the ICCN to manage Garamba National Park. This renewal reinforces a shared commitment to conservation and sustainable development in the DRC, building on a collaboration that started in 2005.
The partnership for Kundelungu National Park aims to restore the park’s ecosystems through a comprehensive strategy that encompasses biodiversity conservation, community development, and revenue generation for the park. A foundation of sound management and infrastructure underpins this approach, and the initial phase of implementation begins with recruiting and training a staff team and initiating an Environmental and Social Due Diligence Assessment. This will enable African Parks to better implement a management plan with input from local stakeholders, to deliver meaningful socio-economic benefits while fostering a shared commitment to conservation.
Established in 1970, Kundelungu National Park spans over 8,165 km² in southeastern DRC, encompassing the Kundelungu Plateau and the Lufira River Basin. The park represents a blend of montane and Katanga endemism, as well as Miombo woodlands and iconic waterfalls, including the Lofoi Falls. It is a biodiversity hotspot and a critical contributor to regional water security. Its watersheds support ecosystems and communities in both the DRC and eastwards into Zambia, directly sustaining the livelihoods of approximately 50,000 people in the Lufira valley alone. The park also holds significant cultural value and archaeological potential, with the discovery of Iron Age sites nearby, offering insights into the region’s human history.
Kundelungu National Park is divided into two distinct zones: the southeastern zone, which is mainly bounded by natural escarpments and the plateau borders, and a western zone, designated as a mixed-use area that supports local communities and hosts transhumance movements from the Lake Mweru region and the Kamalondo Depression.
Located near Lubumbashi, Kundelungu National Park is one of the most accessible parks in the DRC, offering potential for conservation-driven development and sustainable tourism. The park is close to Upemba National Park, which is managed through a long-term partnership between the ICCN and Forgotten Parks, an incubation partner of African Parks. Together, these parks form a rich and diverse ecological network that strengthens regional conservation efforts and delivers vital ecosystem services, directly benefiting the surrounding communities.
Mr. Yves Milan Ngangay, Director General of the ICCN: “This agreement represents a new chapter for Kundelungu National Park. Through this partnership with African Parks, we are committed to ensuring the long-term protection of this spectacular landscape while creating opportunities for local people, as we have done together in Garamba National Park since 2005.”
Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks:
“We are honoured to be entrusted with the management of Kundelungu National Park in partnership with the ICCN and in collaboration with local communities. This extraordinary landscape holds immense ecological and cultural significance, and we are committed to its restoration and conservation. Our partnership with the ICCN began in 2005 with the management of Garamba National Park and is founded on a shared vision that conservation drives investment into the region, creates sustainable development opportunities, and safeguards valuable natural resources for the people of the DRC. This marks the beginning of an important journey for Kundelungu, and a renewal of our commitment to Garamba. We are proud of our relationship with ICCN and our extended commitment to working together.”
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About Kundelungu National Park: Kundelungu National Park is located in the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1970, it spans over 8,165 km², encompassing the Kundelungu Plateau and the Lufira River Basin. Renowned for its ecological and cultural significance, the park is a biodiversity hotspot featuring montane and Katanga endemic species, Miombo woodlands, and iconic natural landmarks such as the Lofoi Falls. The park plays a vital role in regional water security, with the Lufira River Valley serving as a healthy headwater of the Congo River, supporting an essential fishery for local communities and sustaining rich aquatic biodiversity.
About the ICCN: The Congolese Institute for Conservation of Nature (ICCN) is a public institution under the authority of three ministries: the Ministry of National Defence and Veterans Affairs; the Ministry of the Environment, Sustainable Development and New Climate Economy; and the Ministry of Tourism. It is responsible for the sustainable management of biodiversity in the DRC's protected areas, in cooperation with local communities and other partners. The ICCN oversees a natural and cultural heritage comprising nine national parks and a network of 80 reserves, covering more than 13.8% of the national territory.
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About African Parks: African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 24 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For more information visit www.africanparks.org, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
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