Is Soco still in Virunga?

Is Soco still in Virunga?

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. UK oil company Soco has ended its oil exploration operations in Virunga. But for Virunga to be safe in the long-term, we need the DRC government to cancel all oil exploration permits as requested by UNESCO, and for sustainable development to start.

Why is Virunga National Park famous?

Virunga National Park is unique with its active chain of volcanoes and rich diversity of habitats that surpass those of any other African park. The wide diversity of habitats produces exceptional biodiversity, notably endemic species and rare and globally threatened species such as the mountain gorilla.

How much does a trip to Virunga cost?

The price tag for a visit is high: $400 a day for a mountain gorilla trekking permit, while staying at a lodge costs at least $300 a day. However, this is far cheaper than Rwanda, just across the border from the gorilla section of Virunga, where prices were raised to between $750 and $1,500 last year.

What is the problem in Virunga?

Political instability and pressure from rebel groups throughout the area has made Virunga a very dangerous place for decades. Park rangers risk their lives on a daily basis while protecting the park. Over the past 20 years, 160 Virunga rangers have lost their lives trying to protect this African jewel.

When was Virunga released?

April 17, 2014
Virunga/Initial release

What is Soco now called?

Pharos Energy Plc, previously SOCO International, is an oil and gas exploitation and production company, headquartered in London. The company changed its name to Pharos Energy Plc in October 2019 after coming under fire for illegal activity in Virunga….Pharos Energy.

How many mountain gorillas are in Virunga National Park?

Virunga National Park is home to around a third of those gorillas, which reside in the dense forests on the lush slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be at around 1000 individuals.

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