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My journey with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) began back in 2008 and it is only recently that I have been introduced to its northeastern heart of the intact lowland rainforest. It is in this unlikely setting that I have experienced the guidance and partnership with Dr. Corneille Ewango, a figure whose reputation precedes him not only as a guardian of the Congo Basin rainforests but also as a beacon of hope and resilience in environmental conservation.

I was introduced to Dr. Ewango through Royal Botanic Gardens botanist Dr. Martin Cheek, who is renowned for his specialisation in African flora. This introduction marked the beginning of an inspiring collaboration between Bahori and Dr. Ewango, particularly in the North East DRC lowland rainforest, where our concerted efforts focus on disturbed footprint rehabilitation activities and the broader aim of sustainable environmental rehabilitation.

Dr. Ewango’s inspirational journey

Dr. Ewango’s story is one of remarkable dedication and sacrifice. Growing up in the western DRC, he transitioned from a poacher to a protector, driven by a profound passion for biology and conservation that was ignited during his university years. Despite the challenges posed by civil war, Dr. Ewango’s commitment to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve—where he served as a botanist and herbarium curator—remained unwavering. His efforts to protect this vital ecosystem from exploitation and destruction earned him the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2005, a testament to his enduring impact on conservation.

Collaborative efforts in the DRC

The scope of our collaboration with Dr. Ewango in this corner of the DRC is comprehensive, targeting essential mine closure activities such as tree identification/ forest inventory, rehabilitation efforts, herbarium sampling, and the creation of wetlands. These initiatives are critical in re-generating the biodiversity and in promoting sustainable land use practices that benefit both the environment and the local communities.

Learning from my mentor

Dr. Ewango’s vast knowledge and experience have been invaluable to our work. His leadership in documenting plant species, training local conservationists, mentoring the next generation, and advocating for sustainable environmental practices has been a guiding light for our team. As the founder of Bahori, I am continually learning from him; his mentorship has been a cornerstone of our success in the field. Working alongside Dr. Ewango, a true champion of the rainforest, is humbling. His life’s work exemplifies the impact one individual can have on the conservation of our planet’s most precious ecosystems.

A shared vision for the future

Our partnership with Dr. Ewango extends beyond immediate conservation efforts. It represents a shared vision for the future of the DRC’s rainforests—a vision of awareness creation, continual learning, where the natural beauty and ecological integrity of this region should be documented preserved for generations to come. Through our collaborative work, we aim to raise awareness and contribute to the understanding, safeguarding the biodiversity of the Congo Basin and ensuring a sustainable future for its inhabitants.

Albeit a young journey with Dr. Ewango, this is a profound learning experience, highlighting the importance of energy, mentorship, passion, resilience, dedication, and collaboration in the face of adversity. As we continue our work in the DRC, we are reminded of the power of partnership in achieving biodiversity conservation. Together, with Dr. Ewango’s expertise and Bahori’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, we are making strides towards more sustainable outcomes in the Congo Basin rainforests and beyond.

Hylton Allison

Author Hylton Allison

Hylton Allison, Founder Of Bahori Consulting, An Environmental Consulting Business Established In 2014, Prides Himself On Serving And Impacting His Client’s Business With Commercial Consciousness. Hylton Has 20+ Years’ Experience In South Africa/ Africa And 14 Years In The DRC , 5 Of Which Have Been In The DRC Rainforest.

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