Conkouati-Douli National Park
National Park in the Republic of the Congo / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Conkouati-Douli National Park is a UNESCO-recognised coastal national park in the Republic of the Congo. The park's main activities include community outreach, biological research and tourism development.
Conkouati-Douli National Park | |
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Map of the Republic of the Congo | |
Location | Kouilou, Republic of the Congo |
Coordinates | 3.905°S 11.47°E / -3.905; 11.47[1] |
Area | 5,049.5 km2[3] |
Established | August 14, 1999 |
Governing body | Ministry for National Forestry Commission |
The national park was established by the Presidential Decree No. 99-136 on 14 August 1999, it covers an area of 5,049.5 km2 and located in the Kouilou Department, straddling the districts of Nzambi-Madingo and Kayes.
It is located near the villages of Cotovindou and Louléma along the border between Congo and Gabon, at the point of intersection with National Route 5.[4]
Conkouati-Douli National Park is managed by the Ministry of Forest Economy and Durable Development (MEFDD) in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The responsibilities of both partners are outlined in an agreement protocol.
In 2014, park coordination was assured by the conservator/coordinator of MEFDD and a Principal Technical Advisor of WCS. They are assisted by an assistant conservator (MEFDD) and an administrator/accountant (WCS).
The park employs 70 permanent employees of whom 95% are recruited locally. The park surveillance team consisted of 36 guards in early 2014. During the annual marine turtle nesting season between October and March, an additional 30 people are recruited locally to monitor the beaches.
The park is divided into three zones:
- An integrally protected zone that is only legally accessible for park staff, guided paying tourists and researchers with valid permits;
- An eco-development zone containing all legal human habitations, in which residents are allowed to use natural resources sustainably for subsistence, and in which industrial exploitation is allowed with the agreement of the appropriate government institutions;
- A 5 km wide buffer zone around the park designated for environmental education, sensitisation efforts and socio-economic activities.