Garamba National Park welcomes rhinos back after 20 years of EU aid

After nearly 20 years, rhinos are once again roaming Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a sign of long-term recovery supported by international and local partners.

The European Union has been a key contributor, backing efforts to strengthen governance, security, and ecological management across one of Central Africa’s most strategic landscapes.

 In 2006, Garamba lost its last northern white rhino to poaching, while wildlife populations collapsed and armed groups operated freely. Communities faced uncertainty and economic strain.

When African Parks signed a co-management agreement with the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) in 2005, the goal was to stabilize the park and protect its wildlife through a public-private partnership.

Southern white Rhinos return after decades

In December 2025 and January 2026, trucks carrying southern white rhinos crossed the park, marking the first rhino reintroduction in two decades. Such operations depend on functioning institutions, trained rangers, and safe, engaged communities.

Years of collaboration, particularly with the EU, created the conditions for this milestone. Beyond conservation, the reintroduction shows that steady investment in governance, security, and community programs can restore ecosystems and revive species. 

Garamba’s model links ecological health with economic opportunity. The park employs roughly 500 full-time staff and supports over 2,000 temporary workers, making it one of the region’s largest employers.

EU-backed projects, including mini solar grids, supply power to hundreds of nearby households, reduce pressure on forests, and help small businesses grow. Park programs also provide health and education services to thousands, strengthening local resilience and supporting long-term conservation.

EU, DRC lead Garamba Rhino return

The recovery reflects the coordinated work of the EU, the DRC government, ICCN, local authorities, and field teams.

Philippe Decoop, Garamba’s director, said, “On the ground, the difference is clear. Improved security, community engagement, and the ability to conduct complex operations safely are the result of years of consistent partnership. The rhinos’ return is a powerful symbol of progress.” 

Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks, added, “Garamba’s recovery shows what is possible when governments, communities, and international partners work together.

The white rhino’s return marks an important step in restoring the ecosystem while supporting conservation-driven local economies.” 

Fabrice Basile, acting EU Chargé d’Affaires in the DRC, said the reintroduction demonstrates the EU’s commitment to combining conservation with socio-economic development. “The return of rhinos is a clear sign of success and encourages us to keep advancing this exceptional landscape,” he said. 

Garamba Park protects DRC wildlife heritage

Spanning 513,300 hectares, Garamba National Park and its three surrounding reserves form a 1.48 million-hectare complex between the Congo Basin forests and the Guineo-Sudanese savannah.

The park hosts the largest elephant population in the region and the only surviving Kordofan giraffes in the DRC. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Garamba plays a vital role in regional stability while promoting sustainable development and ecosystem restoration. 

African Parks manages 24 protected areas across 13 African countries, safeguarding over 20 million hectares. Garamba stands as a leading example of long-term, collaborative conservation success in fragile landscapes.