We aim to conserve the Congo Rainforest, a vital component in the global effort to slow climate change; and necessary to the survival of the critically endangered Grauer gorilla.

1. THE CONGO RAINFOREST FUND (CRF)

The Congo Rainforest Fund (CRF) is a registered NGO in Congo and incorporated in California, USA as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation committed to promoting responsible tourism in the rainforest in and around the Eastern lowland Gorillas area as a means of supporting conservation efforts and benefiting local communities.

2. OUR VISION

We envision a future where the Congo Rainforest, with its diverse and abundant wildlife, is preserved for generations to come. We see a world where the delicate balance of this critical ecosystem is maintained, and where the Eastern Lowland Gorilla and other species are able to flourish in their natural habitats.

3. KEY ACTION.

The Congo Rainforest Fund aims for:

- Encouraging local entrepreneurship and business development to promote regional economic growth and increase local support of conservation initiatives. This includes arranging educational events, creating nature centers and museums, and promoting new Congo rainforest experiences such as birdwatching and nature treks.

- Development of sustainable tourism infrastructure that makes positive impacts on the environment and local communities.

- Implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of tourism interventions and make adjustments as necessary.

Our Leadership Team

Honoré Malinga Ntabiruba

Chairman of the Board

With over 37 years of diverse expertise in resource management, business administration, and protected areas, Honoré MALINGANE NTABIRUBA is a distinguished conservationist. Currently serving as the Provincial Director of ICCN South Kivu and Chairman of the RCFF Board, his remarkable contributions highlight his unwavering commitment to preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable conservation practices. He is known for his dedication, expertise, and extensive experience in the administration and management of protected areas. His significant contributions and leadership roles demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the conservation and preservation of natural resources.

Obed Temba tuyumvire

President

Obed Temba Tuyumvire is an esteemed activist for tourism and nature conservation, an accomplished essayist, and a driven entrepreneur hailing from the troubled region of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. With a deep passion for preserving the natural beauty of his homeland, Obed has dedicated his life to advocating for sustainable tourism practices and protecting the environment. Through his tourism firm, Kumbukumbu Tours, he promotes responsible tourism while preserving the region's unique flora and fauna. Obed's dedication to conservation led to the establishment of the Congo Rainforest Fund, aimed at safeguarding the endangered Grauer's gorilla and preserving their habitat. His contributions in the realms of tourism, literature, and environmental protection continue to inspire others to join him in making a positive impact on the world around us.

Robert Kain

Chief Executive Officer

Robert Kain is a dedicated conservationist with a passion for preserving the world's natural wonders. As a co-founder of the Congo Rainforest Fund, he works tirelessly to protect the Congo Rainforest, safeguard the habitat of endangered Grauer's Gorillas, and combat the climate crisis. Robert's commitment to conservation extends to his literary pursuits, where he is currently working on a captivating novel with a subplot focused on rainforest preservation. With a background in Civil Engineering and Physics, he brings a unique and holistic approach to his mission of safeguarding the environment and inspiring others to join in his efforts.

Bertin Murhabale Cisirika

Chief Operating Officer

Bertin has his PhD in Ecology and Management of Animal Resources. He is a professor in the biology department at the University of Bukavu, and has published numerous research papers on Grauer's gorillas, birds, chimpanzees, and general conservation within the Congo Rainforest. He spent five years in the field conducting research on Grauer's gorillas. His research and collection of endemic and other rare bird species within the Itombwe forest is housed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

As Chief Operating Officer of the Congo Rainforest Fund, Bertin manages all operations within the DRC.

Wema Dorcas

Accounting Director

Wema Dorcas is a finance and business professional with a degree in Economics and over a decade of experience in accounting, logistics, and entrepreneurship. She began her career as an accountant in the freight and shipping sector (2012–2017), where she developed strong expertise in financial management and operational efficiency. From 2016 to 2022, she successfully ran her own fashion business, honing her skills in strategic planning, resource management, and sustainable business practices.

Passionate about applying her expertise to drive effective and transparent operations in the environmental sector, Wema now serves as Accounting Director at the Congo Rainforest Fund.

Megan Kain

Marketing Manager

Megan Kain, a BS graduate of Cal Poly, spent four years as a senior cost control engineer and construction manager for a national construction contractor,. More recently she has been involved in entrepreneur roles as co-founder of two unique startups. She is a board member of the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health.

As Marketing Manager for Congo Rainforest Fund, she has refined the organization's messaging and branding, developed key communications on mission and goals, and advised on fund raising activities.

Alice Mukashyaka

Marketing Manager - Africa

Alice Mukashyaka is a Rwandan engineer, climate advocate, and youth leader using science, education, and innovation to advance conservation and environmental justice in Africa. Through her social enterprise Starlight, Alice designs solar-powered STEM kits that promote environmental awareness and clean energy use among schoolchildren, particularly girls in underserved communities. A Women Deliver Young Leader and Mastercard Foundation Ambassador, Alice has worked with global organizations such as the UN Foundation to advocate for inclusive climate action and youth-led solutions. Her work bridges grassroots innovation with global policy, making her a leading voice in the next generation of conservation changemakers.

As a marketing manager with the Congo Rainforest Fund, she supports frontline initiatives to protect the Congo Basin—one of the world’s most vital carbon sinks—while amplifying local voices in climate resilience strategies.