Youth-led conservation initiatives in Virunga National Park have emerged as a critical component of environmental restoration efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The park's unique biodiversity and its role in local livelihoods make it an ideal site for community-driven conservation projects. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with key stakeholders (including local communities and park authorities) and quantitative data from ecological monitoring records to analyse trends over time. Data collection spans multiple years, encompassing both pre- and post-initiative phases. Community participation in youth-led conservation initiatives has notably increased by 30% within the last two years, with a significant shift towards active involvement in park management activities such as wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration projects. Youth-led environmental conservation initiatives have demonstrated substantial potential for ecological rejuvenation and community empowerment. These findings underscore the importance of integrating youth perspectives into conservation strategies to achieve sustainable outcomes. Further research should focus on scaling up successful models, incorporating youth voices in policy development, and enhancing intergenerational collaboration to ensure long-term success and sustainability. Youth-led Conservation, Virunga National Park, Community Participation, Ecological Restoration, DRC
Ntagana et al. (Tue,) studied this question.