The Greater Virunga Transboundary Landscape (GVL) is one of the most ecologically diverse and important regions in the world. Stretching across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda, this landscape is home to the iconic mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, endemic birds, and a rich diversity of forest and montane ecosystems. However, like many other fragile ecosystems across the globe, this landscape is highly vulnerable to the mounting impacts of climate change and other human-induced threats.

This Landscape comprises a total of 7 national parks and 1 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, hippopotamus etc.

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).

Climate Change as a Major Driver of Vulnerability

Scientific assessments conducted across the GVL show that climate change — alongside habitat loss, invasive species, poaching, and other stressors — is rapidly altering this landscape. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, floods, landslides, and droughts are already affecting the ecosystems and the communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. Future climate projections suggest further warming and increased rainfall variability under different climate scenarios which will exacerbate these pressures.

Implications for Ecosystems and Communities

Ecosystem processes, species migration patterns, and the distribution of flora and fauna will shift as temperature and precipitation trends change. High-altitude species, especially those restricted to montane habitats such as the iconic mountain gorillas and afro-alpine vegetation, face increasing risks of habitat fragmentation and eventual loss.

Local communities surrounding the protected areas are also highly vulnerable. They depend on small-scale agriculture, forest resources, water bodies, and tourism  all of which are directly threatened by these environmental changes. Extreme weather events already destroy crops, erode fertile soils, and compromise water quality and quantity. This threatens food security, income, and the well-being of people living adjacent to these protected areas.

Other Threats Compounding Climate Change

While climate change is a primary threat multiplier, other human-induced pressures  such as agricultural encroachment into forests and wetlands, illegal resource extraction, and population growth  exacerbate vulnerability. The report underlines that mitigating these pressures and preparing communities to adapt is critical for safeguarding this biodiversity hotspot.

Adaptive Actions

In light of the findings, the report recommends practical adaptation and mitigation measures for GVTC and its partners:

• Promoting sustainable land management practices such as terracing and agroforestry to reduce soil erosion.
• Restoring degraded ecosystems to enhance natural resilience.
• Strengthening local adaptive capacity by diversifying income-generating activities, especially for communities highly reliant on tourism and natural resources.
• Enhancing monitoring and research on vulnerable species and ecosystems.
• Implementing participatory conservation planning with local stakeholders and community-based organizations.

Conclusion

The Greater Virunga Landscape is facing unprecedented challenges under the dual pressure of climate change and ongoing human activities. However, by understanding the risks, planning strategically, and working collaboratively, GVTC and its regional partners can bolster the resilience of these treasured protected areas and the communities who live around them ensuring that this vital landscape thrives for future generations.

Juvenal Mukeshimana

Program Assistant