Undeterred by a warning cross where Hutu rebels recently attacked park rangers, UN forces advance up Nyiragongo volcano. The rebels cut trees and produce charcoal in the park, a lucrative trade that is destroying the forest. Their presence is also keeping out tourists. On this patrol, the blue-turbaned Sikh peacekeepers routed the rebels without firing a shot.
The Virunga National Park (formerly Albert National Park) lies from the Virunga Mountains, to the Rwenzori Mountains, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda. Covering 7,800 square kilometres (3,000 sq mi) it was established in 1925 as Africa's first national park. It was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979. In later years it has become known for its mountain gorillas, although poaching and the Congo Civil War have seriously damaged its wildlife population.
More stories and photos here:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/07/virunga/stirton-photography
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