On 3 October 2022, Fergus Simpson will defend his PhD thesis exploring the implementation and effects of environmental conservation in eastern DRC’s South Kivu Province. In a series of theoretical and empirical chapters he takes a close look at environmental conservation in a context of violent conflict, missing state capacity and infrastructure, and a number non-state armed groups which fragment control of the landscape. He looks particularly at Kahuzi-Biega National Park as representative of a militarized ‘fortress’ conservation area; and at Itombwe Nature Reserve as an example of a more consensual ‘community’ conservation area.This Public Defence may broadcast on ISS livestream. If so, you will be able to watch the Public Defence live at www.iss.nl/live.

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