{"id":68097,"date":"2022-02-04T15:07:52","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T14:07:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/?post_type=project&p=68097"},"modified":"2026-02-03T16:02:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T15:02:22","slug":"virunga-youth-actors-of-hope","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/www.iucn.nl\/en\/project\/virunga-youth-actors-of-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Virunga Youth: Actors of Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Virunga National Park, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is home to many rare, endemic and endangered species, such as mountain gorillas, elephants, hippos and chimpanzees. However, the area in and around the park is also under pressure due to conflict, armed groups, illegal activities and population growth. With our project Virunga Youth: Actors of Hope, aimed at the youngest generation in DRC, we aim to turn Congolese youngsters into actors of change for a better future for the Virunga area.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n

Header photo: scouts in Virunga (c) Paul Villaespesa<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

Many communities around the Virunga National Park live from fishing, small livestock rearing and agriculture; around 80% of them live below the poverty line. Human-wildlife conflicts are common among communities who have their fields around Virunga National Park; wildlife feeds on their crops. This fuels the conflicts between the communities and the authorities of the Virunga National Park. The population of the DRC is young: more than 68% of the population is under 25 years old. This means the future of Virunga is in their hands. The park needs the support of DRC\u2019s youngest generation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

By recreating the link between young people and the managers of Virunga National Park we aim to raise awareness for the important role the National Park can have for the communities living near the area and their livelihoods. Through sports and cultural activities we work on strengthening the cohesion between the communities in the Virunga area. Last but not least, we provide opportunities for young people to participate in conservation action plans within the framework of Virunga National Park.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n

\u2018We organise theatre productions with the people from the villages. Working closely together increases awareness on nature conservation very well, especially because we perform real-life situations on stage. It stimulates change at another level.<\/p>\n<\/div>Mzee Mbukuli – artist en actor from Goma<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n \n\n
\n
\n <\/span>\n
\n \n \"\"\n <\/div>\n \n
\n

What do we want to achieve with this project:<\/h2><\/div>\n