For generations, the Virunga and Mgahinga regions have been home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife—mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. These conservation areas are internationally celebrated as biodiversity hotspots, drawing researchers, tourists, and conservationists from across the globe.

But for the communities who live at the borders of these parks, daily life tells a different story—one filled with resilience, but also great challenges.

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The Human–Wildlife Conflict

One of the biggest problems faced by people living near conservation areas is human–wildlife conflict. Farmers often wake up to find their crops destroyed overnight by elephants, baboons, or buffalo. A family may spend months planting maize, beans, or bananas—only to lose it in a single raid.

For many households, this loss is devastating. These crops are not just food but also the main source of income for school fees, medical care, and survival. When wildlife destroys them, families are left in despair.

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Threat to Livelihoods

Because communities rely heavily on farming, the proximity to wildlife reserves creates a cycle of poverty. Some farmers have given up planting certain crops because the risk of destruction is too high. Others spend nights in their fields, lighting fires or beating drums to chase animals away—a practice that is exhausting, dangerous, and unsustainable.

In extreme cases, this conflict has pushed some individuals into illegal activities like poaching or encroaching on park land. While conservation authorities respond with law enforcement, the underlying issue remains: people need secure and sustainable livelihoods.

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Safety Concerns

Wildlife incursions don’t just threaten food security—they sometimes put lives at risk. There have been cases of injuries and even deaths caused by wild animals straying into communities. Children walking to school or women fetching water are particularly vulnerable when paths cross with elephants or buffalo.

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Searching for Solutions

The challenges faced by these border communities highlight the urgent need for community-based conservation approaches. Solutions like:

• Supporting alternative livelihoods (beekeeping, poultry, or small livestock) to reduce reliance on vulnerable crops.
• Compensation schemes for farmers whose crops are destroyed.
• Community awareness and training on coexistence strategies.
• Tourism projects that channel park revenue back into surrounding villages.

At CBTI, we work with reformed poachers, empower youth in conservation, and provide domestic animals to reduce pressure on wildlife. These efforts not only improve livelihoods but also strengthen the bond between people and nature.

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Living Together, Thriving Together

Communities around Virunga and Mgahinga bear the weight of living next to conservation areas. Their struggles are real, and their voices must be heard. Protecting gorillas and elephants should not come at the cost of human suffering—it should create opportunities for both people and wildlife to thrive.

Only by investing in communities can conservation truly succeed. After all, when local people benefit from protecting wildlife, the forests and their creatures stand a much better chance of survival.