Established in 1925, Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest park. Breathtakingly beautiful, its history spans a century and boasts an unrivalled diversity of ecosystems: from volcanoes and tropical forests to the glaciers of the Rwenzori mountains and the vast Rwindi savannahs. The Park is home to the world's last mountain gorillas and its biological wealth has justified its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This book, written by some fifty experts, tells the complex story of a Congolese jewel and pays tribute to those working to protect it for the past hundred years. It highlights the efforts to meet the contemporary challenges of conflicts, poverty and humanitarian crises. Far from postcard cliches, the Park has become a lever for stabilising and developing an entire region. Browsing through these pages is an invitation to a journey where courage, resilience and innovation in the service of both nature and people continue to shape the legend of Virunga National Park. AUTHORS: Emmanuel de Merode, Jean-Pierre d'Huart, and Frederic Henrard each have a deep connection with Virunga National Park. De Merode has been leading the park since 2008 and launched the Virunga Alliance. D'Huart began his career as a researcher in Virunga and continues to work on conservation projects. Henrard supported De Merode as an advisor in Rumangabo from 2017 to 2022. SELLING POINTS: . Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest park, celebrates its 100th anniversary . Virunga is home to an unparalleled variety of landscapes and a unique biodiversity, including the world's only population of mountain gorillas . A team of forty specialists provides an overview of the current situation, with attention to both history and future prospects . Featuring stunning photos and detailed maps 300 colour, 50 b/w illustrations
