IMPACT OF ARMED CONFLICTS ON THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL WORLD HERITAGES: CASE OF VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK.

Abstract

The article 2 of the Convention on the Protection of Word Heritage provides that
“natural heritage can be natural sites or precisely delineated natural areas of
outstanding universal value from the point view of science or conservation or natural
beauty”. UNESCO‟s Word Heritage Convention (1972) sets out to protect the World
natural and cultural heritage, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga
National Park was inscribed on their list in 1979. The Virunga landscape is home to
some of Africa's richest biodiversity. Unfortunately, the area surrounding the
Virunga National Park has also been the site of some of the continent's most intense
social and political conflict. The duty of protection and conservation of biological
diversities in natural Worlds Heritage is primarily to the State government which has
the responsibility of the protection of it territorial integrity. In DRC, Virunga
National Park has been invaded by both foreigners and national armed groups since
two decades. The failure of the State government to ensure it territorial integrity has
engendered illegal exploitation of the fauna and the flora in this natural World
Heritage site. Despite both, the ratification of Multilateral Environmental
Agreements by the DRC government and some national rules relatives to the
protection of environment such as the right to a healthy environment, the right to
enjoy World Heritage Sites and conservation of natural World Heritages, the
implementation is still facing out to the continuity of both foreign and national armed
group's activities in Virunga National Park.