Park-Edge Communities Spearhead the Renovation of the Buffalo Wall around Volcanoes National Park | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)

Over a hundred local community members living adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park recently conducted a special communal activity to reinforce the Buffallo Wall around the Volcanoes National Park. The buffalo wall is a physical deterrent that prevents problem animals from leaving the park to encroach on community land.  

“Through this communal work we hope to address the lingering issue of Human Wildlife Conflict caused by problem animals that often raid community gardens.Buffalos, monkeys and  gorillas, are the main culprits.  Human Wildlife conflict causes conflict between the park and the surrounding  communities,  it also devalues the community conservation benefits,” said Jaques Bisamaza , a community Member and Head of Sabyinyo CBO.

During the communal exercise , at least 7 metres of the buffallo wall were renovated in Myansi Village, Kinigi Sector.  According to the 2023 -2025 Ranger Based Monitoring data Kinigi is one of the areas most affected by Human Wildlife conflict-  buffalos often exit the park and encroach on community gardens.

“I have a farm around here and it is my role to participate in this activity to keep problem animals safe in the park and away from my garden,” Said Elize Niyigena, another resident.  

IGCP supports  Volcanoes National Park and the park-edge communities to mitigate Human Wildlife Conflict around the park with the aim of reducing crop raids and improving park – community relations.  The interventions include ; reinforcing the buffalo wall and trench and community engagement projects that boost community livelihoods and get community buy -in on conservation.

“Because of the gravity of problem animal incidences in this area, this special exercise was a national request to reinforce human wildlife conflict interventions in the area. We intend to reduce human injuries and losses and protect the people who are majorly farmers,” said Prosper Uwingeli, Volcanoes National Park Chief Warden.