The collaborative transboundary framework of programs, plans and activities is aimed at conserving the network of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) shared between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. The GVL covers areas and communities around the PAs of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda; Virunga National Park in DRC and five national parks National Park in Uganda: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and Semliki National Park. The landscape is part of the Albertine Rift, is unique and a biodiversity hot spot as it contains several species of conservation concern such as the Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), chimpanzees, African elephants and plants such as the Giant Lobelias and Dendrosenecios…

Elephants of Queen Elisabeth National Park/Uganda

Climate change is a major threat to the landscape with effects on biodiversity within and outside the Protected Areas. Climate Change has compounding effects, aggravating the impacts of other threats to biodiversity. These have impacts on the livelihoods of frontline communities that struggle to cope with the wrath of crop-raiding animals.

Intensive activities at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/Uganda

Elephant in the banana plantation

Mountain gorilla in the banana plantation

Vulnerability to climate change is felt at multiple levels: communities, households and individuals.

Climate change is occurring in the Greater Virunga Landscape and is mainly driven by anthropogenic factors, especially increased land use intensity. This is driven by increased population growth and its associated demand for land for agriculture and settlement. In addition, there is unsustainable utilisation of natural resources.

Current effects of climate change on species, ecosystems, and ecological processes and potential future effects on ecosystem services: Climate change will negatively affect species, ecosystems and ecological processes in the Greater Virunga Landscape if appropriate mitigation and adaptation actions are not implemented.

30% of the areas of queen Elisabeth national park is under threat of the invasive species, the major species is Karimanjojo (Dichronostactys Cinea)

The projected climatic conditions will thus affect several ecosystem services and processes in the Greater Virunga Landscape. These effects are more likely to occur in DRC and Uganda.

Virunga National Park of DRC at the foot of Nyiragongo Volcanoe, the forest is disappearing- Insecurity is this part doesn’t allow conservation effort

Understanding what will happen to the plants and animals under these changes is necessary.  This will require to implement  the GVTC Climate Change Strategy with the overall objective of strengthening landscape-wide resilience to climate change and ensuring climate-compatible conservation measures for sustainable livelihood in the Greater Virunga Landscape.

If nothing is done today, we may be the last to enjoy the beauty of the Greater Virunga Landscape as it is today.