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Year 8 - Geography

Conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical and human geography of the DRC and how natural resources bring both opportunities and challenges. Pupils will also learn about the Congo rainforest and how conservation efforts are trying to protect this important biome.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe conservation efforts in the DRC and explain why they are important.

Key Notes

  • The DRC has several national parks that protect endangered species.
  • Virunga National Park is home to rare mountain gorillas but faces threats from poaching and conflict.
  • Conservation efforts must balance protecting nature with supporting local communities.
  • International organisations and local people are working to protect the rainforest and wildlife in the DRC.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • national park: a large area of land protected by law to keep the natural environment safe
  • biodiversity: all the living things in an ecosystem or area
  • endangered: a species of plant or animal in danger of extinction
  • poaching: the illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That poaching only involves 'trophy' animals like elephants and wild cats.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The DRC has several national parks that protect endangered species. Virunga National Park is home to rare mountain gorillas but faces threats from poaching and conflict.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'national park'

a large area of land protected by law to keep the natural environment safe.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: That poaching only involves 'trophy' animals like elephants and wild cats. Correction: Poaching happens on a daily basis all around the world as a means of organised illegal activity (but in some cases for survival). It can include any animal species, large or small, that has a perceived value in its meat, skin, or another biproduct.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Geography guide library.