In recent years, dozens of countries and millions of people have suffered from horrific wars and conflict, often with too little attention or help from the world. An increasingly catastrophic – but largely ignored – conflict has been ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Over a hundred armed groups are currently active in the DRC, each divided along different ethnic identities, and economic and political interests. All in a fight for control. Especially over the nation’s cobalt and other rich mineral resources, which the Global North in particular continues to demand a constant supply of to sustain their energy and digital transitions, despite the known cost to human life (Amnesty International, 2024; Medium, 2025).

In these extremely dire conditions, many displaced peoples have had to resort to living in makeshift camps where gender-based violence is rife, and sanitation and healthcare are limited (IDMC, 2024). These camps often border national parks that are under increasing environmental stress. Conflict zones overlap biodiversity hotspots, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are home to critically endangered gorillas (Mongabay, 2025). One such site is the Virunga National Park, one of the world’s richest biodiversity treasures (Virunga, 2025). Tragically, this haven for biodiversity has already lost 324 hectares of forest in the Nyiragongo territory of North Kivu alone. Soldiers and civilians alike exploit the forests, but while soldiers extract resources for profit, civilians use forest resources for survival. For desperate people, the forests are a rich source of food, timber and minerals, but the conflict is accelerating deforestation, weakening ecosystems and exacerbating climate disasters. The DRC’s people, wildlife and forests are all suffering. Yet, amidst this human rights catastrophe and mounting environmental destruction, there remains hope.   

In the face of extreme danger, WECF’s partner, the Council for the Land of the Ancestors (CTA) has offered people the chance of a safer reality and new possibilities. CTA is a non-profit organisation that promotes environmental education and women’s upliftment, to safeguard biodiversity and human rights, even in these impossible circumstances. 

Culturally, women are discouraged from earning their own income, making them dependent on their husbands. In this time of conflict, however, men’s own income pursuits are largely disrupted. Without enough money, the women of Nyiragongo are forced to depend on the forests that border their camps to find food and firewood which they are responsible for collecting, while the men stay at home. The danger is, armed militias roam freely in the forests, putting women at huge risk of attacks, rape and even death. 

To help women better avoid danger, CTA developed training opportunities and provided equipment for women to earn a sustainable income that would allow them to care for their families without entering Virunga’s forests. Training in sewing, basket weaving and hair braiding was offered. This chance at greater independence and accompanying safety was so popular that CTA had to offer the training on a rolling lottery basis, to fairly include as many women as possible. 

The women were also given the chance to become environmental activists, learning about the importance of biodiversity and forest protection. Passionate individuals then lead their own awareness-raising programmes amongst other women, sharing fruit tree seedlings for them to grow. To date, over 100 households have benefited from CTA’s reforestation initiative. In recognition of the women’s commitment to conservation and the successful growth of their trees, CTA awarded them beautiful traditional fabric. Many of the trees have already blessed families with fruit, further reducing their dependence on forests for food. 

Women awarded with fabric for their involvement in reforestation activities. Photo credit: Patrick Mukanga

Women’s forced dependence on forest resources in the Virunga National Park exposed them to an extremely high risk of attack and rape, while also exacerbating ecosystem destruction. Changes in the Nyiragongo territory now mean they face a safer reality. Through CTA’s capacity-building, women have become more financially independent, capable of supporting their families. Doubling as environmental activities, they are also distributing and growing fruit trees capable of feeding their families. The women’s newly found source of income and food has freed them from needing to enter the forests, reducing their exposure to harm.    

The M23 conflict in the DRC still poses a significant threat and people’s lives continue to be at risk. This is undeniable, but thanks to the exceptionally brave and persistent efforts of CTA, women are experiencing greater safety than they have in months, or years. The women of Nyiragongo are the embodiment of resilience and in the face of everything, they still care for the environment, fighting to protect themselves, their families and their forests.