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. Along with other initiatives, a key aspect of its management strategy was to immediately establish governance groups called Associations de Surveillance et de Développement Durable (ASDDs). ASDDs play a significant role in park-community engagement, covering topics from education and healthcare, to employment, human rights, and wildlife law.
After ten years of a successful management partnership 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
- Key wildlife species populations such as forest elephant and western lowland gorilla, are growing, as evidenced by the triennial park survey and quarterly aerial savannah surveys.
- Odzala-Kokoua boats 2,000 unique life forms, with over 1,500 identified to species level.As a major local employer, 97% of Odzala-Kokoua’s permanent staff members are Congolese nationals, and over 65% come from communities on the immediate park periphery.
- 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 reaching over 12,450 people, in and around Odzala.
