European Union grant for Conkouati-Douli National Park

Oct 22, 2022 | NEWSROOM

PRESS RELEASE

Brazzaville, Tuesday, September 27, 2022. As a prelude to the launch of the project entitled “Converging socio-economic interests and ecological issues in the management of the Conkouati-Douli National Park“, a ceremony of the grant contract was organized this Tuesday, September 27, in the premises of the Delegation of the European Union. Implemented by the NGO Noé, this project aims to ensure sustainable management of the flora and fauna of the Conkouati-Douli National Park while improving the living conditions of the communities in and around it.

It is co-financed by the European Union to the tune of 810,000 euros in the form of grants, or about 529 million CFA francs, which represents 84% of the total cost of the project (967,838 euros). Within the framework of the cooperation between the Republic of Congo and the European Union, the NGO Noé will work for the implementation of this project alongside the Ministry of Forest Economy, its partners and other stakeholders. The Conkouati-Douli National Park (CDNP) is an area of 5,050 km2 of rich and diverse ecosystems and an eco-development zone of about 7,000 people spread over 30 villages.

The NGO Noé has the mandate for the integrated management of the PNCD since April 2021 (delegation of management by the Ministry of Forest Economy) and will carry out the project with the general aim of improving the conservation of ecosystems and endangered species in the park, converging economic interests and ecological issues. In this context, the EU grant will allow Noé and its partners to implement activities in and around the park with a particular focus on community development, sustainable fisheries, and participatory processes in park management.Specifically, the project activities are structured around three specific objectives:

The communities of the parc have economic benefits, and are actively involved in its sustainable management of natural resources. Conflicts between humans and wildlife are reduced, artisanal fishing is strengthened and a new green industry is established. The potential of tourism is developed within the framework of a strategy for the conservation of natural resources and the environment of the parc.

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