WWF statement on Salonga National Park in the DRC

WWF is suspending its support toward field patrols in Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with immediate effect as of Wednesday 11 December 2019. The decision comes as local police authorities investigate a tragic case of a body found in the park. We will consider lifting this suspension once the authorities have completed their investigation and can confirm that swift and decisive action will be taken against any party found to be guilty.  

We are deeply committed to securing the long term future of forests and biodiversity for people and nature in challenging contexts like Salonga. We therefore continue our support toward critical community development work with local and indigenous communities living in and around Salonga while the suspension of support to field patrols is in place. This includes activities related to community forestry, conservation agriculture, market access and development of value chains, community and governance support structures and piloting the grievance mechanism as well as rolling out WWF’s enhanced Environmental and Social Safeguards.