Republic of Congo creates protected areas

NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The Republic of Congo Monday announced the establishment of two massive protected areas for elephants, chimpanzees and gorillas.

Nearly 3,800 square miles will create protected areas that together could be larger than Yellowstone National Park, Minister Henri Djombo and officials from the Wildlife Conservation Society announced at the United Nations Monday.

"We are delighted the Republic of Congo continues to take a leadership role in safeguarding its world-class wildlife and wildlands for generations to come," said John Robinson, WCS executive vice president for conservation and science. "This is an extraordinary achievement for the entire Congo basin region."

The first new protected area will be called the Ougoue-Lekiti National Park and lies in the western part of the country. It will adjoin Bateke National Park in Gabon, which was established with WCS's help in 2002.

Together the transboundary protected area will safeguard some 2,300 square miles.