On Patrol
DR Congo’s Virunga National Park rangers act in order to safeguard the park’s forests and cut off militia funding.
Patrolling the park is one of the most dangerous and important jobs carried out by the 280 rangers. Roaming militia groups and armed poachers are a constant threat to animals and humans alike. Since 1996, an estimated 140 rangers have lost their lives protecting the park.
Illegal logging is a major problem in the 7,800 square-kilometre park, with much of the deforestation feeding the charcoal trade, an industry heavily controlled by militia groups.
While the culprits are often ordinary people trying to make a living in tough circumstances, the rangers have to act in order to safeguard the park’s forests and cut off militia funding.
Gelareh Darabi joins a group of 10 rangers on a security patrol.
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