Odzala-Kokoua

Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, one of Africa’s oldest national parks, covers an expansive 13,546 km2 and lies in the heart of the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon. The Congo Basin spans more than two million square kilometres across six countries, accounts for 18% of the world's remaining rainforest and is one of the most biologically diverse and species-rich areas on the planet. It also delivers clean water, food and shelter to more than 75 million people.

In 2010, African Parks entered into a 25-year agreement with the Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Forest Economy, Sustainable Development and Environment to protect this globally significant park.

After ten years of successful management and recognising Odzala-Kokoua’s ecological and socio-political value, the government reaffirmed African Parks’ management agreement in 2020, strengthening the partnership and incorporating the Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary. Lossi, a 35 km2 area situated to the south west of Odzala-Kokoua, contributes to important wildlife corridors within the region. Odzala-Kokoua and Lossi form the Odzala-Kokoua-Lossi Foundation.

Odzala has become a conservation stronghold for its abundant and diverse wildlife, as well as for the people who play an integral role in its protection.

Odzala-Kokoua Highlights

• The 2022 triennial park survey showed that key wildlife species populations, such as forest elephant and western lowland gorilla, are stable and growing.
• 96% of Odzala-Kokoua’s permanent staff members are Congolese nationals, and over 60% come from communities on the immediate park periphery.
• Since 2020, six successful community-based enterprise projects have been developed and are expanding each year: cacao, black pepper, groundnuts, honey, gardening and wild mango.
• Camp Imbalanga promotes ecotourism at a national level, increasing sustainable revenue sources and alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities.
• Education, healthcare and infrastructure development initiatives are now reaching over 12,450 people, in and around Odzala.

Partners

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is managed by the Odzala-Kokoua-Lossi Foundation – a partnership between African Parks and the Government of the Republic of Congo. Through this partnership, African Parks took over the management of Odzala-Kokoua in November 2010, with the addition of the Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary in 2020.

Partners