The Congolese Wildlife Authority (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, ICCN) was conceived to protect Virunga National Park, which was created in 1925 and known as Albert Park. ICCN’s scope has subsequently expanded to include all of DR Congo’s protected areas and its duties now include:

• Management and conservation of DRC’s biodiversity in protected areas

• Promotion of scientific research

• Development of eco-tourism within the framework of conservation

• Development of populations living around protected areas

ICCN is currently led by Director Cosma Wilungula Balongelwa. Emmanuel de Merode is Chief Warden of Virunga National Park.

ICCN Rangers patrol the Gorilla Sector of Virunga

ICCN continued to protect the park during the Congo’s civil war years of 1996 to 2003, despite a total lack of support. This is arguably the most extraordinary aspect of the history of Virunga National Park, and is a testament to the effort and sacrifice of the wardens and rangers of the park.

ICCN’s operations in Virunga are supported by the nine conservation organizations listed below. The percentage each contributes to the park’s annual operating budget of $1,737,911 is as follows:

1. Frankfurt Zoological Society - 9.0 percent

2. World Wildlife Fund - 9.1 percent

3. Wildlife Conservation Society - 11.5 percent

4. Africa Conservation Fund - 25.7 percent

5. Zoological Society of London - 22.8 percent

6. Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project - MGVP’s contribution is in the form of providing critical veterinary assistance on the ground.

7. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International - 0.8 percent

8. Gorilla Organization - 6.9 percent

9. International Gorilla Conservation Program - 14.3 percent

We are also grateful of the support from other organizations listed on this site, with a special mention to the European Union.