Itombwe Génération pour l’Humanité: Saving our Wildlife and Forests

“Tulinde Wanyama na Misitu Yetu” – Save our Wildlife and Forests – is being heard in the depths of the Congolese forest. Behind that call stands Itombwe Génération pour l’Humanité (IGH)—a dedicated community-powered NGO based in the magnificent Itombwe Mountains of South Kivu. Exclusively focused on preserving this critical biodiversity hotspot, IGH champions both people and nature—safeguarding a network of protected, community forests and their abundant wildlife.

IGH operates within the Itombwe Massif, part of the Albertine Rift—a truly exceptional landscape that smoothly transitions from lowland forests to bamboo thickets, from montane woodland to grasslands, up to elevations of 3,475 m.

The view up there gives way to a vast area, classified as an Important Bird Area, Key Biodiversity Area, and home to iconic species such as Grauer’s (eastern lowland) Gorilla, Schweinfurth’s Chimpanzee, Forest Elephants and the elusive Itombwe Owl—all of which categorise it as a priority site by the Alliance for Zero Extinction.

Direct Conservation Action and Wildlife Monitoring

The Chimpanzees and Gorillas present here are endangered—recent estimates suggest about 500 Chimps and 280 Gorillas remain. IGH monitors and works with IUCN initiatives to map and protect key populations, support ecological surveys, and inform local restoration strategies.

On the ground, IGH’s patrol teams remove snares, dismantle poaching camps, and deter illegal logging and mining. In just a few years, they’ve cleared over 26,000 snares, destroyed nearly 500 illegal camps, and seized illicit charcoal and timber—covering thousands of hectares during patrols.

Community Engagement and Reforestation

IGH brings people together in events—village meetings, school visits, workshops, and soccer tournaments—all under slogans like “Tulinde Wanyama na Misitu Yetu”. 

Faced with widespread deforestation in the region, IGH has established 10 community nurseries and planted over 1.24 million native tree seedlings across degraded buffer zones—reconnecting fragmented habitats and supporting local livelihoods.

Alternative Livelihoods and Poverty Alleviation

Addressing poverty and reducing pressure on forests means finding alternative income programmes. The IGH team supports: poultry farming, small livestock like sheep and goats, and coffee agroforestry—improving the income of over 2,600 households—easing reliance on bushmeat, charcoal, and mining.

Community-Led Conservation

IGH’s strength lies in deep-rooted collaboration with local villages. Every programme—from patrols and planting to outreach—is co-planned and led by the community. This approach not only empowers locals but ensures they are central stewards of their land.

IGH’s holistic model restores hope in the Itombwe Mountains. By intertwining protection, tree restoration, environmental education and livelihoods, they stabilise ecosystems threatened by deforestation and poaching. They’re also nurturing a new generation of Congolese restoration leaders, rooted in local knowledge and pride. 

It’s rewilding, grounded in respect, driven by people, and blooming with promise.