[{"bbox": [85, 152, 859, 180], "category": "Text", "text": "them from illegally exporting natural resources that are financing their armed action."}, {"bbox": [85, 186, 1144, 347], "category": "Text", "text": "The dramatic increase in insecurity by the ADF around Beni has prompted the current President of the DRC to declare a state of emergency in North Kivu, effectively militarising the entire provincial administration. However, recent assessments (e.g. by the Congo Research Group in June 2021) indicate that the new military administration lacks the technical and political experience to manage the conflicting interests that exist in the province. The increased security threats, and poor delivery of state services to a region that has great potential for inclusive green economic development, is undermining the basis for improved wellbeing."}, {"bbox": [85, 352, 1144, 566], "category": "Text", "text": "In addition, the unforeseen volcanic eruption in May destroyed most of the electricity and water distribution to Goma, with disastrous consequences for public health, administration and the economic functioning of the region. The seismic activity forced the military governor to order the evacuation of large parts of Goma's population; over half a million people were displaced and over 3 000 homes were demolished. The lava flow has affected the poorest residential areas of the city and many households have seen their livelihoods destroyed. This is compounded by disease outbreaks, including a new localised wave of COVID and a rise in cases of cholera, amplified by a combination of destroyed water infrastructure and overstretched health services. All this has left an already vulnerable population in an even more precarious situation."}, {"bbox": [85, 576, 1144, 764], "category": "Text", "text": "The destruction of the electricity distribution lines also resulted in sharp losses of electricity sales and tourism revenues, the financial lifelines of Virunga National Park. In addition, tourism cannot be resumed until the current outbreak of COVID in Goma is under control and until the security is restored. Thanks to a small grant under the EU-Re:Wild's Rapid Rescue Programme, the park has temporarily re-established electricity distribution. The park has also helped restore part of the water supply to Goma. This was all done within a month following the eruption and is a result of the continued support from the EU to reinforce the park's management and financial capacities. However, the park had to dig into depleted financial reserves to help the population of Goma."}, {"bbox": [85, 775, 380, 803], "category": "Text", "text": "This has had two consequences:"}, {"bbox": [85, 813, 1144, 922], "category": "Text", "text": "1. The economic downturn is amplifying people's dependence on trafficking networks controlled by illegal armed groups such as the FDLR and the ADF. This situation leads to the depletion of forest resources, in particular charcoal for cooking and boiling water, increasing deforestation and the smuggling of cocoa and coffee to neighbouring countries."}, {"bbox": [85, 932, 1144, 987], "category": "Text", "text": "2. The loss of significant revenues from electricity sales and tourism, which has become a major challenge for Virunga National Park in its role to uphold the rule of law and as an economic driver for the province."}, {"bbox": [85, 1011, 1144, 1066], "category": "Text", "text": "**Identification of main stakeholders and corresponding institutional and/or organisational issues (mandates, potential roles, and capacities) to be covered by the action:**"}, {"bbox": [85, 1091, 720, 1119], "category": "Text", "text": "Multiple target groups and beneficiaries are concerned by this action:"}, {"bbox": [123, 1120, 1144, 1201], "category": "List-item", "text": "* rural and forest-dependent communities living near wildlife-rich areas are negatively affected by criminal trafficking networks and armed militias. This particularly affects social groups such as young people, women, and people living in vulnerable situations;"}, {"bbox": [123, 1201, 1144, 1255], "category": "List-item", "text": "* displaced persons in natural resource-rich areas who need food security, physical security and opportunities for environmentally sustainable livelihoods;"}, {"bbox": [123, 1255, 1144, 1310], "category": "List-item", "text": "* national wildlife and environmental authorities and decision makers responsible for protecting the environment and managing natural resources, including protected areas;"}, {"bbox": [123, 1310, 404, 1338], "category": "List-item", "text": "* rangers in protected areas;"}, {"bbox": [123, 1338, 880, 1366], "category": "List-item", "text": "* former fighters diverted from armed groups and enrolled in green, decent jobs;"}, {"bbox": [123, 1366, 1144, 1422], "category": "List-item", "text": "* civil society organisations involved in environmental protection, support for displaced persons, protection of human rights, and good governance."}, {"bbox": [85, 1474, 603, 1508], "category": "Section-header", "text": "# 3 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION"}, {"bbox": [85, 1526, 497, 1559], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 3.1 Objectives and expected outputs"}, {"bbox": [85, 1579, 1144, 1635], "category": "Text", "text": "The overall objective (impact) of this action is to support the recovery of Virunga National Park and North Kivu province, fostering a sustainable green and transformative economy in the region."}, {"bbox": [1037, 1680, 1144, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 5 of 15"}]