Biodiversity conservation by indigenous peoples and local communities in APAC LUWE-ITOTA
Solución completa
Exchange with members of the aboriginal community in APAC Luwe-Itota
Héritier MILENGE KAMALEBO
Luwe-Itota is the only area and territory of indigenous peoples and local communities (APAC) identified to date in the province of South Kivu, which is part of the APAC network managed by the Alliance Nationale d'Appui et de promotion des Aires et territoires du Patrimoine Autochtone et Communautaire (ANAPAC). Located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the mountains overlooking the western part of the Itombwe Nature Reserve (RNI), the area covers an estimated total surface area of 527 ha. It is entirely located in the Basile chiefdom, in the western ecological corridor of the Itombwe Nature Reserve. As a living territory traditionally managed by indigenous peoples and local communities, APAC Luwe-Itota contributes to the maintenance of ecological integrity and the conservation of biodiversity in the Itombwe Nature Reserve landscape.
Last update: 09 Oct 2025
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Contexto
Défis à relever
In terms of challenges, there are reports of slash-and-burn agriculture activities decimating some forested areas in the APAC zone. Uncontrolled hunting practices have also been observed. Cases of semi-industrial logging using chainsaws have been reported from time to time, which could jeopardize a large part of the forests in this area under the management of indigenous peoples, in the absence of the mobilization of customary sanctions and the rules and practices of traditional natural resource management.
Ubicación
Mwenga, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
West and Central Africa
Procesar
Summary of the process
As in all indigenous and local heritage areas, APAC Luwe-Itota is traditionally governed by local community members and indigenous peoples. Decisions on site management are taken by a body called APACLI (Aire du Patrimoine Autochtone et Communautaire Luwe-Itota), which brings together representatives of different families. In the event of violation of customary rules on natural resource management, customary sanctions are taken by the customary guardians meeting in council at Barza level. Decisions on the types of beneficiaries of the various supports are taken by the members of APACLI, meeting in assembly.
Building Blocks
Community involvement and traditional resource management
APAC Luwe-Itota is governed by local communities and indigenous peoples
Enabling factors
Access to and use of natural resources are based on traditional and customary rules and practices.
Lesson learned
Traditional ways of using natural resources contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Collaboration with ANAPAC and existence of a local site management structure (APACLI)
The site is traditionally managed by the customary authorities of the Luwe-Itota Aboriginal and Community Heritage Area (APACLI).
Enabling factors
APACLI brings together all the customary authorities and heads of landowning families.
Lesson learned
The creation of APACLI as a management body allows all families to participate in the management of the site.
Impacts
APAC Luwe-Itota contributes to maintaining ecological integrity and conserving biodiversity in the Itombwe Nature Reserve landscape. The management method brings several benefits to local and indigenous communities. Community members have traditional access rights to natural resources. Where appropriate, the community has access to socio-economic resilience support provided by various partners, including ANAPAC.
Beneficiaries
the beneficiaries are indigenous peoples, local communities, technical and financial partners, researchers, members of civil society and environmental activists.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3 – Good health and well-being
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
Story
Luwe-Itota is the only area and territory of indigenous peoples and local communities (APAC) identified to date in the province of South Kivu, which is part of the APAC network managed by the Alliance Nationale d'Appui et de promotion des Aires et territoires du Patrimoine Autochtone et Communautaire (ANAPAC). Located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the mountains overlooking the western part of the Itombwe Nature Reserve (RNI), the area covers an estimated total surface area of 527 ha. It is entirely located in the Basile chiefdom, in the western ecological corridor of the Itombwe Nature Reserve. As a living territory for indigenous peoples, the Luwe-Itota APAC enjoys a form of management by indigenous peoples and local communities. As with any other APAC, its promotion aims to strengthen the process of conserving biodiversity and natural habitats through the sustainable traditional management and use of natural resources. With the support of ANAPAC and the organization "Programme Intégré pour le Développement des Peuples Indigènes Pygmées (PIDEP)", the site is managed in the traditional way by the indigenous populations and members of the local communities united in the structure known as APACLI (Aire du Patrimoine Autochtone et Communautaire Luwe-Itota).
Due to its location on the western ridge of the Albertine Rift, the area including Luwe-Itota is characterized by secondary forests and primary forests at mountain and mid-altitude, sheltering a diversity of habitats, including swamp forests that are home to several animal species. The Luwe-Itota forests are the preferred habitat of chimpanzees and monkeys, and provide refuge for gorillas from the Itombwe Nature Reserve. These forests are also the source of several Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), notably edible caterpillars, wild food plants, mushrooms, medicinal plants, firewood, etc., on which members of the owner communities depend.
