January 25, 2016

RFUK has joined over 60 organisations calling on UNESCO and the governments of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to reach an agreement to prevent any oil exploration, extraction or related activities in Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, (DRC).

Last year, British oil company, SOCO International, carried out seismic testing on Lake Edward in Virunga National Park and following widespread local opposition and a huge international outcry, SOCO committed to no further involvement in its oil block in Virunga and has since announced that it no longer owns the licence but did not provide further details.

The organisations have asked for any existing or planned concessions to be abandoned in the area which encompasses Virunga National Park, a renowned World Heritage Site and home to many endemic and endangered species, such as the mountain gorilla.

For the full statement, click here.