The Okapi Reserve

Category: Epulu, Okapi, Rangers | Date: Mar 21 2007 | By: admin

I am Ghislain SOMBA BYOMBO, 36 years old, married to KAVIRA Madeleine and father of 6 kids. In 1994 I joined the ICCN which means Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature in DRCongo. After spending 3 years in teaching in a Primary School; I started working as a field Ranger ten years ago in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, but after my graduation at Southern African Wildlife College in 2004, I was promoted to Deputy Warden .

My only reason to join conservation efforts is to protect the Natural Resources of DRCongo, and in particular the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Congo is the only place where you find Okapi in the world.

Let me tell you that this species is endemic to DRCongo, and is my favourite animal for many reasons. When I was young , my grandfather told me many stories about this animal which has many traditional values.

In fact , I can realise that the task I was given is not easy, but I am fighting to promote conservation by sensitizing people inside and around the Reserve to understand the importance of a protected area in the big picture. We are protecting the Reserve for future generations.

A good relationship with the local community is a good way to solve conservation problems, and once you are working hand in hand you have the opportunity to be invited to their party, and a conservation message can be transmitted.

Here is the Traditional Chief of Epulu, Ramazan (on the left in grey), during a party with me (in brown shirt) in Epulu in March.

Thanks a lot for your comments.

Somba