GVTC is an Intergovernmental Organization established by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda, governed by a Treaty signed in 2015, whose purpose is to establish a Transboundary Collaboration Framework for programs and activities on wildlife conservation and tourism development in the Greater Virunga Landscape among the Partner States.
This Landscape comprises seven national parks and one wildlife reserve, namely: Volcanoes NP in Rwanda; Virunga NP & Sarambwe Wildlife Reserve in DRC and Mgahinga Gorilla NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP, Rwenzori Mountain NP, and Semliki NP in Uganda.
The GVL is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot and habitat for rare and endangered wildlife species, such as mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, African Elephants, Lions, and hippopotamus extra, with three World Heritage Sites (the Virunga NP, Rwenzori Mountains, and Bwindi NP), two Man & Biosphere Reserves (MAB, namely the Queen Elizabeth NP and Volcanoes NP), as well as RAMSAR sites (Lakes Georges and Edward).
Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC)has the vision of having the Greater Virunga Landscape Protected Areas network together with the surrounding landscape conserved sustainably while the goal is the sustainable long-term conservation of the Greater Virunga landscape Biodiversity leading to the strategic, transboundary, collaborative management that improves conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape natural resources as a long-term outcome.
To achieve all of this, GVTC undertakes various activities and initiates partnerships with a wide range of partners, including Partner states institutions, learning institutions, conservations institutions, international organizations, donor communities and community-based organizations, as well as the private sector.
GVTC has registered the following successes, among others:
The Partner states commit themselves and recognise GVTC not only as a framework for wildlife conservation and tourism development but also for enhancement of peace and security and Regional Integration.
GVTC Regional Transboundary Forum October 20-21,2022
The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration efforts have posted some positive Conservation success stories. To promote the involvement of communities in biodiversity conservation activities, community enterprises were put in place.
Community Enterprise Center Rwerere-Kisoro/Uganda
Community Enterprise Center Kinigi-Musanze/ Rwanda
There has been improved coordination of transboundary law enforcement. Coordinated patrols have contributed to the reduction of illegal activities but also have increased the trust between Park rangers while enhancing transboundary collaboration.
Coordinated patrols have contributed to the reduction of illegal activities in the protected areas.
A protocol on tourism revenue sharing from migratory transboundary habituated Mountain Gorilla groups was signed and is implemented within the GVTC framework.
Improved transboundary cooperation of security and local leaders of the Partner States to enhance security in the GVL for wildlife resources and tourists.
Dialogue meetings in Goma and Mbarara helped to resolve many issues affecting Conservation and Tourism Development in the Region.
A number of projects were implemented, including renewable energy, provision of water, …
Briquette making in Monigi-DRC
Launching of Water for Virungas Project in Kisoro/Uganda
Various initiatives to deal with Human-Wildlife Conflicts were put in place under the GVTC framework.
Trenches as a deterrent measure against elephants
Beekeeping is a way of controlling elephants and preventing crop raiding.
Buffalo wall, deterrent measure to control crop raiding.
To contribute to the Peace and Stability of the region, under the framework of GVTC, the international boundary between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo was reaffirmed and made clear at the level of Sarambwe game reserve adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by putting in places pillars.
GVTC looks forward to strengthening Transboundary Collaboration between the Partner States and taking the conservation of the Greater Virunga Landscape to a greater height. The ratification of the GVTC Treaty will be one of the urgent targets as it will open up new opportunities for sustainable funding.
Over 90% of achievements were registered, thanks to the support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands government through the Embassy of Kigali.