Mar 02 2008
Local Farmers Provide Vital Information on the Gorilla Sector
Balemba has made considerable progress in building a small team of local community members to monitor the situation in Mikeno. At the moment there are two small teams of local agriculturalists forming, one in Bukima, one from Jomba. We will not be giving you their names, or publishing their photos, because they are operating in rebel territory, and it could put their lives at risk. We hope that one day, when things have settled down, that we will be able to present them to the public, and that they will get the recognition they deserve.
This is Balemba’s report on progress so far:
We had our first meeting today, Sunday, in the afternoon. We were joined by Felix Balibua, of the Rumangabo Youth Alliance, and the two team leaders, one from Jomba and the other from Bukima. Both are internally displaced and live near Rumangabo with relatives. They climb up to their fields during the day, to try to keep their crops from being destroyed, but cannot stay at night because of insecurity. They have reported that the rebels have their main base at Jomba, and a secondary base at Bukima. So they have taken over the ranger’s patrol posts, and are well entrenched and settled for the long haul. This is bad news, as it will make it all the more difficult for the rangers to recover their patrol posts.
The rebels have forbidden anyone from getting close to Bukima or Jomba, except for a few people herding livestock. Infact, there is no longer anybody actually living in Bukima, other than an old widow and her two sheep. She has refused to move. They have, however seen a group of 6 gorillas in the corn fields between Bukima and Bikenge about a month ago, but since then the fields have been destroyed and they don’t come out of the forest any more. The group is probably the Rugendo group, whose seven other members were massacred in July last year. They regularly went out of the park. It needs verification, but it would be very good news that the six are alive and well.
The rangers’ patrol post at Bikenge has been left in a terrible state by the rebels. They no longer live there, but they are regularly present in the area. When they appear, they catch farmers and impose forced labour, including transporting water, and planting marijuana for them, which is now growing all around the patrol post.
Daily news from the conservation frontline by Innocent and Diddy, and other Congolese rangers risking their lives to save mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Thanks for the update, Emmanuel. I’m glad to hear there are volunteers willing to take risks for wildlife conservation. Whomever these brave souls are, they have my gratitude.
s.
Thanks Sheryl, it’s an incredibly important initiative that is just starting. We’ll share what information we have on what’s happening in the Gorilla Sector. I’ll also update you on the charcoal campaign, which is beginning to have a real impact. Like you say, it’s amazing that everyone on the ground just keeps trying, inspite of the conditions
Indeed, heroic. We pray these gorillas stay hidden deep in the forest. Thanks to both Emmanuel and Balemba for this update.
Emmanuel and Balema, thank you for this good news. In fact, great changes only occur with people commitment.
Hi! I am really touched for the job than starte doing and for the engagement that you put us. I hope that they will come better times. Thanks for that than fairies. Your reports are the only window on the world of the gorillas of mountain which I have at disposal.
Paola
God bless these farmers risking their lives….I hope the Rugendos stay hidden also…they have been so vulnerable since they lost their silverback Senkekwe….so scary for all….just want this mess to be over..thanks for the update and yes keep these people protected as much as you can! Take care!
Thank you for this interesting update!
Emmanuel, thanks for restoring
the window DRC LATEST NEWS.
Good grief, the Donate box is gone.
s.
Yes Sheryl, it’s gone from most blogs now! Hopefully, it is up and running real soon.
The new Newsweek says it all about animal poaching..the new Blood Diamonds…saw it on MSN………not sure if anyone else has read that! So awful…….
Yes, Annie, this is tragic. But when many important newspapers, magazines, TVs, etc, systematically show up what’s happening with wildlife, this means that our pressure is working. I am tired of crying alone. Perhaps, mind’s change resulting from consciousness-raising help to stop this abominable diary massacre. Or, at least, reveals many people like us for cry together.
Thank you so much for caring about these animals. It breaks my heart to know that these animals are being killed. I can’t stand to think about it. I live in Lake Tahoe and donate money to the bear league. I wish I had nine lives so I could come to Africa and protect the animals myself. I will donate money.
Annie, thanks for the heads up on the Newsweek article. Wildlife poaching and the use of snares seems to be a major epidemic everywhere in Africa. Sky, thanks for helping the bears, I feel so frustrated, all of us are trying to help while others turn a blind eye to the blatant misery wildlife endures, much caused by the human race.
That’s so true Theresa. That’s why I’m so inspired every time I come to this blog and see the tenacity of the rangers and everyone here supporting them. Like Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
What a position for all you guys to be in & local, brave people willing to help. This latest news will be spread around the UK as best we can, be assured of that.
Take care everyone - you are all the most courageous and tenacious people I have ever had the good fortune to come across.
Wow! I never realized there were so many rebels! I am praying for he safety of all those wonderful people helping to save the beautiful mountain gorillas. God bless them all and may they succeed!
Dear Emmanuel,
Thanks for this update and please be careful and also protect your fellow farmers because their lives are at risk like you say. It is so inspiring to read that you and the locals are still trying to save and protect wildlife in such a horrendous situation. I hope the rebels get word they should give up their arms as per the peace agreement, no more fighting, but negotiation instead? Please take care of yourself and be safe. It is amazing that this gorilla family is still together after what they’ve been through. I hope they too stay safe and away from harm.
Judy in CA
Thanks so much for the comments. I’m actually in the US at the moment for a week, but have been in touch with Diddy, Innocent and Balamba. We’ll give you the latest shortly
Emmanuel is in Denver, raising funds for our gorillas. More about this @ Paula’s Baraza Blog.
Hey Tony… if you are out there. I just read your added comments on the Feb 24th Gorilla blog post and also added a response.
favorited this one, brother
Brilliant page.., man
[…] In fact, there is no longer anybody actually living in Bukima. A report from local farmers says.http://gorilla.wildlifedirect.org/2008/03/02/local-farmers-provide-vital-information-on-the-gorilla-…WWF-UK Research centre: Facts and key issuesGorilla facts and key issues. Key issues facts Key […]
[…] In fact, there is no longer anybody actually living in Bukima. A report from local farmers says.http://gorilla.wildlifedirect.org/2008/03/02/local-farmers-provide-vital-information-on-the-gorilla-…STEER & HEIFER SLAUGHTER VS. BEEF CUTOUT:File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - View as HTMLOct 10, […]