Book Review: Virunga: 100 Years of an Outstanding Park
This is far more than a photography book—it’s a powerful tribute to one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
Virunga: 100 Years of an Outstanding Park captures the breathtaking beauty and deep complexity of Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As Africa’s oldest nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Virunga offers an unmatched tapestry of ecosystems—from active volcanoes and glacial peaks to rainforests and savannas. It's home to some of the planet’s most iconic and endangered species, including the last remaining mountain gorillas.
But this book does more than showcase the park’s natural wonders. Written by nearly 40 experts, it chronicles Virunga’s layered history—from prehistoric human settlement to modern-day challenges. It honors the bravery of those who have worked to protect the park since 1925, especially the rangers and conservationists who risk their lives amid regional conflict, poverty, and political instability. Their unwavering commitment has transformed Virunga into a symbol of hope—demonstrating how conservation can drive development, restore communities, and support peacebuilding.
The book is structured around rich thematic chapters that explore the park’s origins, ecological diversity, and governance, while also confronting its darkest moments, including poaching crises and the devastating gorilla killings of the early 2000s. Firsthand accounts and archival photos add depth and emotion, reminding readers that behind every triumph is struggle—and resilience.
As Virunga enters its second century, the publication looks forward with purpose. Ongoing projects in education, clean energy, community-based conservation, ecotourism, and reforestation illustrate how the Virunga Alliance is shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. Even as large portions of the region are again under rebel control, the park’s mission endures: to protect nature, uplift communities, and plant the seeds of long-term peace.
Virunga: 100 Years of an Outstanding Park, published by Lannoo Publishers, is essential reading for anyone interested in conservation, African history, and the human spirit. It is a moving portrait of a park that continues to inspire global efforts in environmental stewardship, even under the most difficult circumstances.
