Soderu - Solidarite et Developpement Rural - has been working in Virunga National Park in close collaboration with the Congolese Wildlife Authority and with EU-funded conservation groups, since 2002. Led by construction experts William and Christophe, the French group has overseen the rehabilitation of buildings all over the 8,000km2 park, including housing for Rangers, several patrol posts, and the headquarters of the northern sector in Mutsora and the southern sector in Rumangabo. William oversaw the construction of two EU-funded schools near Mutsora in early 2008, which serve over 1,200 children living adjacent to the park, and in 2010 four additional schools around the Gorilla Sector were also completed with an EU-grant.

Above: The patrol post at Ishango, north of Virunga, before and after rehabilitation

Below: Ranger posts at Mutsora, north of Virunga, before and after rehabilitation

Soderu is helping to rebuild Virunga National Park and is helping support the Rangers who protect the flora and fauna of the park. Soderu works closely with the World Wildlife Fund & Africa Conservation Fund.