The bitcoin mining center in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is harnessing surplus energy to benefit conservation efforts

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the first national park in the world to operate a €24,003 BTC bitcoin mining center in order to protect its forests and wildlife. Cointelegraph spoke with Sébastien Gouspillou, CEO of Big Block Green Services, and the man who introduced bitcoin mining to the park.

Speaking via video call, Gouspillou said with a smile: 'Bitcoin mining has saved the park from bankruptcy.'

Virunga Park is the oldest protected park in Africa and a symbol of the continent's biodiversity. A report by journalist Adam Popescu, published in MIT Technology Review, explains that the region faced problems before bitcoin mining. From local militias carrying out violent attacks on its animals and employees, to Ebola outbreaks and kidnappings, the iconic national park has struggled for revenue in recent years.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting decline in tourism were almost the death knell for the park, as visits to see gorillas, other wildlife and waterfalls stopped. The article explains that tourism accounted for approximately 40% of the park's income.

Article source: info africa