What is the Virunga National Park and why is it significant?

Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering Uganda and Rwanda. The park covers an area of 7,800 square kilometers and is Africa's oldest national park, established in 1925.

Virunga National Park is significant for its exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystems, including active volcanoes, glaciers, and the world's largest lava lake. The park is home to over 218 mammal species, including critically endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and okapis. It also has more bird species than any other protected area on the African continent, with over 700 species recorded.

The park is also important for its conservation efforts, protecting these endangered species from poaching, habitat destruction, and other threats. The park rangers who work in Virunga National Park put their lives on the line to protect the wildlife and their habitats, and have been subject to attacks and violence. Additionally, the park is a source of income for local communities through ecotourism, providing jobs and supporting sustainable development in the area.