In the mist-shrouded forests of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a story of resilience and conservation unfolds. This is the tale of Dominique Bikaba, a man whose life's work is intertwined with the fate of the eastern lowland gorillas and the communities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A Personal Journey of Conservation
Dominique Bikaba's connection to the forest is deeply personal. His family's ancestral land was incorporated into the park in the 1970s, displacing them and many others. Growing up on the park's periphery, he witnessed the delicate balance between humans and gorillas. His unique upbringing, influenced by both his biological and Batwa (pygmy) mothers, taught him the ways of the forest and the importance of coexistence.
"My grandmother taught me to be 'a man', but my pygmy mother taught me how to coexist with the forest." - Dominique Bikaba
As he reflects on his childhood, Bikaba recalls the gorillas' presence in the forest and the occasional crop-raiding by baboons. It was a reminder of the shared space and the need for harmony.
War's Devastating Impact
The peace was shattered by war. Bikaba began his conservation journey in 1992, but the conflicts that followed, including the Rwandan genocide and the Congo wars, had a devastating impact on the region's wildlife. The eastern lowland gorilla population, once estimated at 17,000, plummeted to a mere 3,800 by 2016. Bikaba's own life was threatened, and he narrowly escaped death multiple times.
"I escaped death quite a lot of times, but my friends and relatives were not so lucky." - Dominique Bikaba
A Vision for Reconciliation
In 2009, Bikaba founded Strong Roots Congo, with a vision to reconcile conservation and community rights. His work focused on creating a biodiversity corridor, linking Kahuzi-Biega National Park with Itombwe Nature Reserve. This ambitious project aims to secure over a million hectares for wildlife and Indigenous communities, restoring fragmented habitats and recognizing customary land rights.
So far, Strong Roots has established 23 community forests, covering an impressive 600,000 hectares. By partnering with international conservation groups, they are helping communities gain legal recognition for their traditional land tenure.
"Importantly, we want to improve the livelihoods of people." - Dominique Bikaba
Conservation and Conflict
Conservation in this region is not just about ecology; it's deeply intertwined with geopolitics. The park, a sanctuary for species, is also a battleground for conflicts that have raged for decades. Insecurity complicates every aspect of conservation work, from office lootings to inaccessible field sites.
The planned corridor aims to protect not only gorillas but also other large mammals, reconnecting isolated populations and improving breeding chances. Crucially, it will be co-managed by Indigenous communities, recognizing their ancient connection to the land and their role in conservation.
"Western conservationists often view Indigenous populations as a threat, but humans are part of nature. There's wisdom to be learned from forest communities." - Dominique Bikaba
A Lesson in Peace
As fighting persists in the DRC, the future of the eastern lowland gorillas hangs in the balance. For Bikaba, the past three decades have taught a harsh lesson: war must be avoided at all costs.
"If there's one thing we should avoid in life, it's war." - Dominique Bikaba
Bikaba's work is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for reconciliation. By putting communities back together, he believes they can thrive as they have for centuries, in harmony with the forest and its wildlife.
