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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
Virunga’s Heroes Receive Conservation Awards
On 17th February I blogged about the Conservations Awards given by the US-based Alexander Abraham Foundation to Diddy, Innocent, Serge (FZS) and the widow of Ranger Kalibumba, killed last March in the line of duty. These awards aim to recognize the achievements of grassroots conservationists in DRC.
The ceremony for the Abraham Conservation Awards took place on Wednesday night in Kinshasa - and although I was not there myself I have just been with Innocent and Diddy who showed me the photos. They got back late yesterday.
Here is Innocent going up to take his award. Each recipient - 18 of them in total from throughout Congo’s parks - got a certificate, a medal and a sum of money.
Innocent & Diddy after the ceremony. They were the only ones in uniform and I think you will agree they look very smart.
It was also their first time in Kinshasa, the capital, and their overwhelming impression was that it was a dirty city and that they much prefer being in Bukima!
The Virunga heroes with Emmanuel - from left: Innocent, Serge, Emmanuel, Paulin, Diddy and the widow of Ranger Kalibumba. She traveled to Kinshasa with her 3-month old baby to receive the award and honor her husband’s memory.
Congratulations to all from the Virunga team!
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News from Congo- Suspected rebels rape over 240 women in DR Congo: NGO - AFP
- Congo Mass Rape Numbers Rise To 240: UN Report - Huffington Post (blog)
- Will United Nations Cover-Up Rwanda’s Congo Genocide? - Black Star News
- Soco Falls After Nganga Well Finds Water-Bearing Sands in Congo - Bloomberg
- Congo Gives Rights to Two First Quantum Mines to Hong Kong-Based Company - Bloomberg
- MagIndustries Update on Potash Investment Agreement with Republic of Congo - MarketWatch (press release)
- UN Delays Release of Report on Possible Congo Genocide - New York Times
- UK complicit in bankrolling Congo conflict - The Guardian
- British man piloted Congo death crash plane - The Guardian
- Congo rapes worse than reported - Salon
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12 Responses to “Virunga’s Heroes Receive Conservation Awards”
Congrats guys- you all deserve the recognition!
This is the third time I’ve looked at this, and it still brings tears to my eyes. Many, many congratulations! May there be many more honor, awards, and recognition to come because you all deserve it!
And yes, Samantha, I agree 110% percent that Innocent and Diddy look very smart in their uniforms — smart, handsome, dignified, and heroic : )
How handsome Innocent and Diddy look! This brought tears to my eyes too. Congratulations to all! These awards were well deserved and I am so happy to see you all recognized for the wonderful contributions you make!
Congratulations to heroes!
Congrats Diddy and Innocent, you look absolutely amazing! Well deserved prize.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Huge congrats Innocent, Diddy and all Virunga rangers!
More than well deserved, I hope this public recognition will highlight the importance of conservation but especially the work you all do.
I am glad the widow of Ranger Kalibumba was there too.
Best wishes to all
Congratulations to Rangers Diddy and Innocent and to Serge for their awards in recognition of their work and dedication to the conservation of Virunga National Park: they are well deserved! Ranger Kalibumba’s widow will be able to tell her child about this day with pride. All the best, Iris
So well deserved by all & yes sooooo smart! Good to see Paulin too.
Also, my congratulations to Ranger Paulin for his work and dedication to the conservation of DRC national parks. Iris
I meant to say: my congratulations for Ranger Paulin’s award in recognition of his work and dedication. Iris
Congratulations on the recognition to all. I came to this blog to support the gorillas, but now find following your work and lives transforming for my own life. The power of conservation is remarkable.