Spotlight on a citizen science initiative in Kivu (DRCongo) aimed at reducing natural hazard disaster risks
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kivu Citizen Observer (KCO) network has been operational since 2019. This group of motivated citizens was set up to document disasters due to natural hazards occurring in the Kivu region. This citizen science initiative is based on strong collaboration between the Lwiro Natural Science Research Centre, the Civil Protection of North and South Kivu and the Royal Museum for Central Africa, as part of the HARISSA project.
Thanks to the KCOs, a database of catastrophic events occurring in a previously undocumented region has been developed. It now contains more than 1,200 events. Partly visible on this web-GIS, this data enables interested researchers to study the frequency and intensity of these phenomena. The Civil Protection of North and South Kivu also have access to this data, which enables them to keep abreast of the areas affected and, in the long term, to develop the provincial contingency plan to put in place an appropriate response.
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Ley, KCO of Walikale territory (North Kivu province, DRC)
A wind storm occurred in March 2023 and destroyed crops and the roofs of several homes. Ley registers these various impacts.
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André, KCO of Kabare territory (South Kivu province, DRC)
In March 2024, this village was impacted by a flood that has damaged several houses. André visits the affected families and record the impacts.
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Prince, KCO of Kalehe territory (South Kivu province, DRC)
A road is at risk of being cut off by a recent landslide. Prince comes to assess the situation, record it and share it with the local authorities.
Théo Mana and David Bujiriri, researchers at the Lwiro Natural Science Research Centre and KCO supervisors, stress the crucial role of this network and the mission of the KCOs, which goes far beyond recording disasters: “The Kivu Citizen Observers are positioning themselves within their communities as key players in raising awareness of the behavior to adopt, not only to cope with these disasters, but also to contribute mitigate them. We are currently seeing a change in the community”, says Théo. Moreover, at this particularly difficult time in the east of the DRC, David underlines the commitment and dynamism of the KCOs which remain intact.
Exaucé in Goma city (North Kivu)
Ley in Walikale (North Kivu)
Cesar in Butembo (North Kivu)
Ley in Walikale (North Kivu)
Rajabu in Kalehe (South Kivu)
Ley in Walikale (North Kivu)
Find out more about the KCOs in the video below, which will give you an idea of the scale of the issues affecting the region, as well as the mission and motivation of the KCOs. An initiative to be followed and supported to reduce the risk of disasters in the Kivu region!
