First, let it be known that Itombwe Conservation, Inc. is a NEW venture in the world of wildlife and environmental conservation. We are just getting started. And the primary focus of our efforts and initiatives will be specific to the Greater Itombwe Massif of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is a dream that is born out of the combined personal stories of two families deeply connected to the Itombwe and Eastern Congo. One family traces their ancestry and indigenous roots directly from the forests and mountains of the Itombwe. The other family arrived over 50 years ago as American missionaries serving in the region of Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two generations from each family are now joining together (having been longtime friends for most of their adult lives) to declare “A Promise of Conservation and Community Development across the Greater Itombwe Massif.”
"A Promise of Conservation and Community Development across the Greater Itombwe Massif"
Itombwe Conservation Board Chair David Bates
exercising a baby Verreaux Eagle Owl...
Itombwe Conservation Board Member Marlene Bates
comforting a Baby Itombwe Chimpanzee
“The importance of engaging the people living in the Itombwe Massif,
who have a vested interest in protecting the forest they depend on,
has been a critical component of obtaining agreement on the reserve boundaries. Participatory zoning and participatory sustainable management of the reserve
is required to secure protection of the forest as well as
the rights and livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities.”
Jean de Dieu Wasso of AfriCapacity
Conservation Programs
"A PROMISE OF CONSERVATION... ACROSS THE GREATER ITOMBWE MASSIF"
"When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past
and concentrate more on the preservation of the future."
Dian Fossey