SOCO International, has announced plans to press ahead with oil exploration in Africa’s oldest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo...“Undertaking oil exploration or exploitation on the ground in a UNESCO World Heritage site constitutes a breach of the Convention on World Heritage, as well as DRC’s own laws and constitution”, said Colin Robertson of Global Witness. “SOCO’s plans are a real threat to the protection of Virunga’s wildlife and to people who depend on Lake Edward. The region is also marked by ethnic tensions and the presence of armed militia groups is still a threat to stability. These factors could be exacerbated if oil exploration is carried out without consulting local people.”...In a response to Global Witness SOCO stated that they have not yet conducted any exploration activities and had completed an environmental and social impact assessment...any activities beyond this would only be conducted with approval of the government and in consultation with stakeholders.