Participatory governance of the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve: mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts relating to access to natural resources

Abstract

The Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, situated in Tshopo Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a key area for biodiversity conservation, scientific research and local development. However, the coexistence of conservation objectives and the socio-economic needs of neighbouring communities raise difficulties regarding access to land and natural resources.

This study analyses participatory governance mechanisms that could prevent and resolve conflicts between reserve managers and local communities. It adopts a qualitative approach based on a literature review of scientific studies on Yangambi, Congolese legal texts and institutional publications relating to natural resource governance.

The findings show that tensions are linked in particular to a lack of clarity regarding land-use zones, restrictions on access to resources, a historical lack of community participation, and a disconnect between institutional conservation frameworks and local practices. Research on Yangambi indicates that participation has long been predominantly top-down and that changes to boundaries and zoning have contributed to tensions between communities and managers.  However, recent initiatives point to a shift towards more inclusive governance, notably through the creation of village committees for the management of non-timber forest products and the organisation of community dialogue forums.

The study concludes that sustainable conflict prevention relies on a combination of effective community participation, the clarification of access rights, the recognition of local knowledge, institutional dialogue and the establishment of local dispute resolution mechanisms.

Keywords: participatory governance, Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, conflicts, natural resources, local communities, conservation, Tshopo.

Received Date: June 19, 2026

Accepted Date: July 10, 2026

Published Date: August 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/939