NGIRI RESERVE

Ecosystem ecosystem

This reserve was created in 2006 but its actual opening dates back to 2011. Its management and protection is the responsibility of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), with the assistance of external partners including WWF. The area is 750 000 hectares. It takes its name from Tumba Lake and the Lediima River which runs through it. This reserve is situated in the "Lac Télé-Lac Tumba" ecosystem on the Congo Brazza and the DRC, which also counts the scientific reserve of Mabali, the reserve of the Ngiri (marsh zone in the South-Ubangi) and the reserve of Lake Télé in Congo Brazza. It covers the territories of Bikoro, Lokolela and Inongo (horse on Bandundu province).

Protected species

The purpose of the creation of the reserve is to protect the biodiversity of this lake area, both in the maintenance of its forest cover and in the preservation of threatened animal species such as the elephant (which was thought extinct), the bonobo (several thousands of nests there were inventoried), the buffalo, the Hartlaub duck, the Congolese peacock, various antelopes and primates, many species. birds (parrots)…

Community dynamics

All in a dynamic, including local communities, through the establishment of local natural resource management committees within the villages surrounding the lake (monitoring fishing, improving fish processing…). Moreover, the reserve management plan provides for the reserve, a sustainable area for villagers, alongside protected areas as such. The main pressures and threats to the work are the same as elsewhere: poaching, logging, illegal fishing and demographic pressure.

Access

To get there, drive the expressway by fast canoe until Lokolela (count +/8 hours from Mbandaka). In motorized canoe, count 1 full day and a budget of $ 250 + provide for provisions. From Lokolela, to the station (60 km), choose the bike ($ 100 go/return), speaking to the Kawa coffee plantation 5 km from Lokolela (Mr Georges Nemes: 081 691 81 46). The plantation can also be visited, and you can stay there on the edge of the river. Accommodation is also possible on the reserve.

For all inquiries, please contact the ICCN in Kinshasa or Mbandaka: right of entry, provision of equipment (tents, inflatable mattresses, armed guards…). Who can also assist you in transport from Mbandaka. Or via the head of the site (contact details above) preferably by email, due to a telephone network on the reserve.