Two decades of commitment: the European Union's role in the return of rhinos to Garamba
Kinshasa – 10 March, 2026. For nearly two decades, the European Union (EU) has been a key partner of Garamba National Park, supporting efforts to strengthen governance, ecological integrity and stability in one of Central Africa's most strategic landscapes, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In early 2006, Garamba lost its last northern white rhino to poaching. Wildlife populations were collapsing, armed groups were operating throughout the region, and surrounding communities faced profound uncertainty. When African Parks entered into a co-management agreement in the form of a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) at the end of 2005, the focus was on delivering large-scale impact.
One of the most remarkable achievements is that, two decades after the last rhino disappeared, trucks carrying southern white rhinos crossed Garamba in December 2025 and January 2026. Such complex operations are only possible when institutions are functioning, rangers are trained and equipped, and communities are safe and involved. These favourable conditions are the result of years of partnership, including the European Union's unwavering support for a stable and connected landscape. The reintroduction of rhinos is more than an important conservation milestone. It is a visible sign that sustained investment in governance, security and community engagement can reverse decline and restore ecological function, creating a landscape ready to welcome back ecologically important species such as rhinos.
The link between ecological integrity, inclusive economic development for local communities and long-term stability across the Garamba landscape is clearly visible. In a region regularly marked by instability, Garamba stands out as a place where conservation directly contributes to security, institutional presence and opportunities. The park employs around 500 full-time staff and supports more than 2,000 additional employees on temporary contracts, making it one of the largest employers in the region. European Union investments have also supported community development through mini solar grids that provide reliable energy to hundreds of neighbouring households. Access to energy reduces pressure on surrounding forests, decreases dependence on unsafe energy sources, and allows small businesses to grow. Beyond infrastructure, the partnership with the European Union has fostered stronger community relations and improved access to essential services through park-supported health and education programmes that reach thousands of people each year. These tangible improvements strengthen household resilience and help ensure that conservation gains are sustained.
The progress made in Garamba reflects the sustained commitment of many partners: the European Union, a long-standing ally in conservation; the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo; the ICCN; local authorities and communities; and the teams working daily in the field. The park's journey demonstrates that when partners remain present and aligned behind a common vision, even the most fragile landscapes can move towards restoration, strengthened governance and restored stability, while recognising that protecting these gains remains an ongoing responsibility.
Philippe Decoop, Director of Garamba National Park, said: "On the ground, the difference is clear. Improved security, strengthened community relations and the ability to carry out complex operations safely are the result of years of consistent partnership. The return of the rhinos is a powerful symbol of how far Garamba has come."
Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, said: "Garamba's recovery is the result of a true partnership. The unwavering support of the EU, alongside the DRC government, ICCN and local communities, has enabled us to put in place the systems, protection measures and trust necessary for the park's effective management. This has enabled us to reintroduce the white rhino to this region after decades of absence. Although managing a critical ecosystem is a never-ending task, the reintroduction of the white rhino to Garamba is an important step towards ensuring that the ecosystem is once again complete, and the development of infrastructure is contributing greatly to the establishment of conservation-based economies."
Fabrice Basile, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Delegation of the European Union to the Democratic Republic of Congo: "The European Union remains committed to working alongside the DRC to promote actions that contribute to nature conservation while offering socio-economic development opportunities to local communities des protected areas. I welcome the progress made to date by the ICCN and African Parks, which are working towards the integrated management of the Garamba landscape with the support of the EU. The return of rhinos to their ecosystem is a clear sign of our joint success and encourages us to remain mobilised to achieve further major advances in this exceptional region.
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About Garamba National Park: Garamba National Park covers 513,300 hectares and is surrounded by three reserves, Azande, Gangala na Bodio and Mondo Missa, bringing the total area managed to 1,479,500 hectares (known as the Garamba Complex). Located between the dense tropical forests of the Congo Basin and the wooded grasslands of the Guineo-Sudanese savannahs, Garamba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest population of elephants and the only surviving population of Kordofan giraffes in the DRC. Garamba is a pillar of regional stability and security, enabling sustainable socio-economic development for ecosystem restoration.
About African Parks: African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 24 protected areas in 13 countries, covering more than 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, the 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, X, Instagram and Facebook.