Nkuba Conservation Area (NCA) in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in biodiversity, including Grauer’s gorillas, chimpanzees, and African forest elephants. Supporting the food security and livelihoods of local communities helps reduce threats to wildlife and protect precious forest habitat.

In 2012, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund began collaborating with Indigenous landowners and local communities in the area, who committed to conserving their forest in exchange for employment opportunities and investments in local economic development and education. In 2024, as a result of this long partnership, the NCA was recognized internationally as a Key Biodiversity Area by the IUCN. 

With a grant from Planet Women in 2021, Fossey Fund launched several cooperatives for women in the Nkuba region, offering sustainable livelihoods training and literacy classes. With our continued support including another grant in 2024, the community programming has grown.

Fossey Fund’s goal is to empower local communities to safeguard the NCA through direct conservation activities, such as diversifying livelihoods and increasing food security, to reduce dependence on forest resources. With strong evidence that the effectiveness of environmental programming can be increased through robust gender integration and improving gender equality and women’s empowerment, Fossey Fund has focused their attention on training women in the communities around the NCA in management and livelihood skills.

Sanza Mwisa, for example, is a member of a cassava flour association in Nkuba and has become a monthly supplier of 75 kg of flour to the Fossey Fund, which they use to feed their protection teams while they are in the field. She reflects, “This opportunity has not only improved my living conditions but also empowered me financially as a woman. I am hopeful for the continued success of the gorilla conservation efforts, which significantly benefit our village’s living standards.” 

This model of supporting village associations and skills development not only aids individuals but also fosters a participatory approach to conservation, enhancing living conditions and promoting community empowerment. Thank you to the Nkuba community and to Fossey Fund!

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