Local protests have taken place in Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), against Soco’s plans to start seismic testing for oil in the Virunga National Park. At a peaceful demonstration in March activists voiced the concerns of the community that exploration will damage or destroy their livelihoods, and could reignite civil conflict in an area only recently at peace.
The UK Government announced in October it is opposed to Soco’s activities in Virunga, noting this is a World Heritage Site “in danger”.
More than 675,000 people have joined WWF’s petition to demand that Virunga National Park be protected from the damaging impacts of oil.