Head of the UN Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) Martin Kobler has urged national and international actors to step up efforts to preserve the natural resources and rich biodiversity of the Garamba National Park located in the north-eastern part of the DRC.
Mr. Kobler, who made the appeal during a visit to the Garamba National Park, said armed group activity in eastern DRC is largely funded by the proceeds from illegal trade and trafficking of the country’s rich natural resources.
A UN statement obtained by PANA in New York Tuesday quoted the envoy as saying that efforts to track down these negative forces must also address the drivers of the conflict.
It said poaching had in recent years greatly depleted the wildlife population in the Garamba National Park and, despite intensified anti-poaching efforts, more than 60 elephants have been killed in the Park since April 2014.
It noted that the main perpetrators are armed groups, which included the Ugandan rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
Mr. Kobler, therefore, called for a more sustainable and concerted effort to eliminate the threat of armed groups and their illegal economic activities, saying: “Increased protection of the park will not only save endangered animal species, but also ensure a secure environment for the local population.”
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