Conflicts related to the exploitation of natural resources in the Bombo-Lumene Hunting Domain and Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The management of natural resources in the protected areas of the Congo Basin countries gives rise to numerous conflicts. The aim of this study was to analyze the conflicts related to the exploitation of natural resources in the Bombo Lumene Hunting Domain and Reserve (DCRBL) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data collection was carried out through semi-directed individual interviews and focus groups, participant observation and non-participant observation at the local level. The results showed the existence of many conflicts in the DCRBL including horizontal conflicts and vertical conflicts. Horizontal conflicts are intra-community conflicts (conflicts between farmers within the same community) and inter-community conflicts (farmers and herders within different communities). Vertical conflicts are those between local communities and DCRBL managers. In view of these results, several solutions were proposed by the respondents, including the new boundaries of the villages and the DCRBL, compliance with the laws governing the DCRBL and the creation of the community conservation committee. The results of this study can be used as a decision-making tool for state authorities, natural resource managers and local communities. However, a socio-economic study is desirable in order to detect other latent sources of conflict.