GivePower
  • PROJECTS
  • PARTNER WITH US
  • CONTACT
  • NEWS
  • OUR TEAM
  • SHOP
  • |
  • DONATE
  • PROJECTS
  • PARTNER WITH US
  • CONTACT
  • NEWS
  • OUR TEAM
  • SHOP
  • |
  • DONATE
April 1, 2018  |  By Barrett Raftery

Reflecting on Virunga

Conservation Project in Congo’s Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is considered among the most bio-diverse areas on the planet and home to many critically endangered animals. It is also one of the most dangerous conservation projects in the world.

Hayes Barnard GivePower Congo with Rangers

GivePower Executive Director, Barrett Raftery, with some of the heroic rangers of Virunga National Park, who bravely protect the natural resources and local wildlife from poachers and dangerous intruders.

GivePower and Congo: Incredible Biodiversity

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is considered among the most biodiverse areas on the planet and home to many critically endangered animals. It is also one of the most dangerous conservation projects in the world. The park faces ongoing threats of poachers, armed invaders and oil prospectors.

Protecting these conservation efforts and over 3000 square miles of land, are but a few hundred brave rangers. Standing up against unfathomable odds, these rangers risk their lives every day. Tragically, in April of 2018, 6 rangers were ambushed and killed in the line of duty.

Hayes Barnard and GivePower: Installing Communications Systems

In 2016, GivePower installed 3 micro-grids to restore critical, life-saving communications systems for the rangers, as well as power electric cooking (further reducing the need to cut down trees for use as charcoal). It was an honor to help in any way possible: providing basic comforts and resources; to let them know that, in a brutal world, they have allies eager to ease their hardships and support their mission of saving one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Across every category, these rangers had a more difficult life than most I’ve seen: food was limited, logistics were hard, living conditions spartan. Despite the daily challenges that would bring most of us to tears, these rangers shared a sense of calm, appreciation and good spirit.

I felt safe in a very dangerous place, as did our whole team.They knew they were doing good work, they were proud of it, and it enabled them to bear the challenges of daily life with temperance and humility.

Throughout my work at GivePower, I’ve encountered many heroes that are doing the work that we should all be doing. They carry the load of an unjust world on behalf of us all. I cannot think of a better example of this than the men and women protecting Virunga.

JOIN THE CHARGE

Conservation Project in Congo's Virunga National Park givepower congo project hayes barnard communications systems project congo hayes barnard give power congo
Next StoryA Grateful Perspective: How the Treks Began

Archives

  • May 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • May 2021
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • November 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • December 2018
  • August 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018

Categories

Tags

clean water projects hayes barnard kenya Conservation Project in Congo's Virunga National Park give power b of a safe water grant givepower congo project give power foundation bank of america grant give power foundation news givepower mali trek GivePower Projects in Kenya GivePower Solar Water Farm Google hayes barnard hayes barnard communications systems project congo hayes barnard give power congo hayes barnard give power kenya project Hayes Barnard GivePower Mali Trek hayes barnard givepower school building trek mali hayes barnard kenya givepower hayes barnard mali trek hayes barnard solar water farm kenya elephant sanctuary give power Reteti Elephant Sanctuary GivePower Project Silfab

Who we are

We are a team of engineers, developers and clean energy thought leaders. We design, build and deploy renewable energy systems that provide food, water and light to those who need it most.

  facebook instagram
  • What We Do
  • Projects
  • Partner With Us
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Financials
  • Donate
Guidestar Transparency 2022
#JoinTheCharge
instagram facebook youtube twitter linkedin

© 2022 GivePower Foundation | 415 East St. Elmo, Suite #1-F1, Austin, TX 78745 | 501(c)(3) EIN: #47-1265705 | All donations tax-deductible where allowed by law