Upemba National Park (UNP)

Events like #COP16 present valuable opportunities to connect with new potential partners and exciting projects. However, we should never forget to reconnect with established partners and enablers that create the conditions for the conservation work we do at Upemba National Park (UNP). Recently, I greet our institutional partners at ICCN( Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature) Mr. Director General Yves Milan Ngangay and International Cooperation Director Mr. Joel Wengamulay. The institute provides critical support in many areas, including direction and training to the brave rangers that risk their life everyday at the park.

E-DNA has become one of the most cost-efficient and non-invasive methods to study biodiversity by detecting their DNA markers in nature, including water bodies, soil and even honey. Our friends from NatureMetrics have developed advanced an automous sampling methods using E-DNA providing critical insights with data analysis. Their work is pivotal for many conservation organizations looking to maximize their bio-monitoring efforts with limited budgets. Their Head of Conservation Benjamin Barca provided us with a great demo at #COP16. We are looking forward to implementing this technology to enrich our understanding of Upemba National Park (UNP) biodiversity.

Le PNU vous propose un retour visuel sur l’exercice de mise des colliers GPS sur les derniers zèbres sauvages de la RDC. Un reportage visuel signé Hugh Kinsella Cunningham pour le Parc National de l’Upemba (PNU). https://lnkd.in/deBr9tPF

The Upemba National Park invites you to a visual recap of the GPS collaring exercise for the last wild zebras of the DRC. A visual report by Hugh Kinsella Cunningham for the Upemba National Park (UNP). https://lnkd.in/dTsF-wSF

Agroecology, Agrodiversity and family farming are one some of the most widely discussed topics at #COP16. Recently I joined a panel event discussing these topics which are very relevant for our work at Upemba National Park (UNP) in the context of two agricultural projects we are developing at the park aimed at improving food security and access to thousands of households. After the event I had an insightful conversation about agriculture with a member of the panel, Vincent Peyraud representing the Federal Office for Agriculture of Switzerland.

Multipliant les efforts vers les collaborations efficaces pour la conservation de la riche biodiversité de la RDC, le Président du Conseil d'Administration de Forgotten Parks Foundation , M. Luc Gerard Nyafe, le Directeur Général de l'Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, ICCN, M. Yves Milan Ngangay, et la directrice scientifique de l'ICCN, Mme Shalukoma Chantal, ont été reçus par la vice-présidente de la Colombie, Mme Francia Márquez, en marge de la COP16 Colombia à Cali. Les échanges ont porté sur les domaines de collaboration et d’alignement des positions environnementales entre la RDC et la Colombie pendant et au-delà de la COP16. La réunion représente une étape importante dans la consolidation d'un réseau robuste d'assistance mutuelle et de coopération dont la RDC a besoin pour relever ses défis de conservation. Lisez plus ici: https://lnkd.in/dvP-zGzS

Multiplying efforts to build efficient collaborations for the conservation of DRC’s rich biodiversity, the President of the Board of Directors of Forgotten Parks Foundation , Mr. Luc Gerard Nyafe , the Director General of the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, ICCN, Mr. Yves Milan Ngangay, and the Scientific Director of ICCN, Ms. Shalukoma Chantal, were received by the Vice President of Colombia, Ms. Francia Márquez on the sidelines of COP16 Colombia in Cali. Exchanges revolved around areas of collaboration and alignment of environmental positions between the DRC and Colombia during and beyond COP16. The meeting represents an important step in consolidating a robust network of mutual assistance and cooperation that the DRC needs to meet its conservation challenges. Read more Here: https://lnkd.in/dfBddfd9

Proud moments in Upemba National Park (UNP): we collared the last wild zebra population in the DRC Two weeks ago wildlife veterinarian Richard Harvey came to Upemba to help us put tracking collars on the park’s zebras. By doing this, we can much better track, monitor and protect them. Unfortunately, the helicopter that we booked for this operation never made it to the park. So our rangers had to track the zebras from the ground (with aerial support), after which we used vehicles for the operation. Collaring wild animals such as zebras can be very stressful to them. But it is done with the goal to protect the species in the long term. And our collaring operation was led by the experienced wildlife veterinarian Richard Harvey to ensure minimal risk of harm to the zebras. Next operation: collaring the DRC’s last savannah elephant population. A big thanks to Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF), the EU, African Parks Network and Richard Harvey for their support that made this operation possible. Photo 1: Bringing Harvey close enough to the zebras Photo 2: Mr. Kapya tracking the zebras Photo 3: Harvey preparing the tranquilizer for the operation Photo 4: Harvey walking to a tranquilized zebra to help her go down gently Photos 5/6: teamwork to hold and cool down the zebra while the collar is placed Photo 7: Collared zebra running away after waking up Photo 8: Two Malbrouck monkeys watching the operation   Photo Credit: Hugh Kinsella Cunningham

On the occasion of World Food Day, the Upemba National Park, through its Agricultural Program, reaffirms its commitment to improving the food conditions of local communities who are stakeholders in the restoration of the park's ecosystems. The park is on its way to becoming a green engine for local development supporting more resilient communities in the face of food insecurity and climate change. The day is also an opportunity to thank our partners, the European Union that has funded the program, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-DRC) that provides technical support, and other local partners. _____________ A l'occasion de la Journée Mondiale de l'Alimentation, le Parc National de l'Upemba, à travers son Programme Agricole, réaffirme son engagement à améliorer les conditions alimentaires des communautés locales parties prenantes de la restauration des écosystèmes du parc. Le parc est en passe de devenir un moteur vert de développement local soutenant des communautés plus résilientes face à l’insécurité alimentaire et au changement climatique. Cette journée est également l'occasion de remercier nos partenaires, l'Union européenne qui a financé le programme, l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO-RDC) qui apporte un soutien technique, ainsi que d'autres partenaires locaux. images: Development and Community Conservation #Community #Conservation #Upemba #DRC #RDC #WorldFoodDay

It's been a couple of very busy and exciting times for #Upemba - we had all ready for the first #elephant collaring but we ended up doing the collaring of our #zebras, constantly adapting to our changing context. We learned, laughed, and even cried a little. All thanks to our dedicated team on the ground, from our vet to our amazing #ICCN #DRC colleague from #Garamba, and our most funny and sometimes 'annoying' photographers and filmmakers. Thank you all for being part of Upemba's rediscovery! Carter Kirilenko @HughKinsellaCunningham @DieudonneKwanje @RichardHarvey Subira Bonhomme @Christelle @Marcel @JustinSullivan and all our rangers