Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the planet. It is also a geologic wonder and contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Sadly, much of its history has been plagued by violence however there are signs of hope. This is thanks to all the men and woman of the park who bravely risk their lives every day protecting it and its inhabitants and all of those who have donated or visited.  The pictures here aim to give an idea of the park's beauty and those who depend on the parks revenue to survive. 

UPDATE: Sadly the park was forced to close their doors due to the deteriorating security situation. Hopefully they will reopen after the election but until then they could use your support. If you care to help Andre, the orphans and the rest of the brave men and women of the park here’s the link to the Park - https://virunga.org/donate/.

Conservation starts with the community.

I believe that the only way to save parks like the Serengeti and the treasures that inhabit them is to gain the trust and support of the local communities. If they are able to experience the benefit of these lands through economic opportunities, education, and infrastructure upgrades they will be less likely to poach, hunt or turn the other way when encountering such activities.

This is the story of  Mbalibali.  A small microcosm of hope.

Mbalibali sits on the border of the Serengeti yet most of its people have never experienced the park. They are among the poorest in Tanzania, earning around $1 per day. There are an estimated 10,000 Kuria living in the area.  Many women must walk up to 8 km and in some cases up to 20 km for maternal care. Pre-natal care is, therefore, uncommon. Only rarely do trained medical personnel attend births. Sanitation is primitive and running water non-existent.

Maternal mortality in childbirth in Tanzania is one of the highest in the world. In one year for example, more than 13,000 women died in Tanzania. The Tanzanian maternal mortality rate is nearly 100 times that of the U.S.

Survival under circumstances attending unsanitary birth often brings infections and deaths. 

In November 2016 I visited the village and met with John, the mayor, Sarah, a teacher and the regional doctor and the 2 nurses. I toured the dispensary – a 2 room structure infested with bats where the nurses where delivering babies with their flashlights and a partially built structure that the local people tried to build themselves.  They had neither the money nor the skills, only desire. They ask if I could help them and I said yes. The initiative to finish the clinic structure, rehab the medical dispensary, staff homes and provide basic medical supplies was conceived from here. 

How to Build Medical infrastructure from in Africa

I knew nothing of anything about construction, medical infrastructure, supplies or logistics. What I did have was enthusiasm, and contacts on the ground in Tanzania. As it happened, I  could not have found anyone more capable and committed than this group. 

Conclusion:

What started as a blank slate for what some may call another american do-gooder has come full circle.  Since that November day, we have completed the clinic, rebuilt the staff homes, installed solar panels, indoor plumbing, replaced windows and roofs. We have supplied basic supplies such as, needles, gauzes, scalpels, antibacterials, and most recently have delivered 2000 clean birthing kits to the women of the village.

The nurses who I met on that day in Nov 2016 no longer look like the same people. Today, they are in all white uniforms with huge smiles and are very proud to serve the community. QOL surveys are planned for the birthing kits and the reusable pads and results will be posted when available.

This project has been self-funded and continues to be today.  It doesn’t take millions to make an impact. Just dedication and a willingness to help others.

If you’re interesting in donating time to help the village or have questions please contact me.