 "Okapi are half zebra - half giraffe, the species is now "endangered", close to the highest category of extinction risk, with declining numbers in its range. The okapi is a precious national treasure, which is featured on the logo of my organization, ICCN, in popular culture and on our banknotes."
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
ABUANA NKUMU
Height: 172 cm
Measurements: 37 in - 29 in - 38 in Career/Education: Lawyer, Actress, Model, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur  |
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
When my parents separated I was 8 years old and we children started a difficult period of living with a new mother. We did not have enough food and we were hungry. We did not have soap for washing clothes. We used only water. I was insulted, hit and mistreated because I resemble my biological mother. Fortunately, my sisters were not mistreated in this same way. I played the role of mother for my sisters, taking care of them as best I was able to at this age. This was a difficult period, and I didn’t have much hope. Thankfully at age 11 I moved to the provinces to live with my maternal aunt and this is when I started to rebuild myself, when I decided to take the bad and turn it to something good.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
After my parents separated, and I realized I would be living with a new mother who did not like me, I remember like yesterday, the evening when I walked alone on the road and I made the decision to be strong and responsible for my future. I was only 8 years old.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
None
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
Neither of my parents completed studies beyond high school, so it is unusual that I completed law school.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
The ecosystems of the DRC are ranked among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of biodiversity. We are home to 352 species of reptiles, 1,086 species of birds, 421 species of mammals, about 5,220 species of butterflies, 1,596 species of aquatic invertebrates including 1,423 freshwater and 183 marine, and 544 species of terrestrial invertebrates.
Twenty-five percent of plant species known in Africa exist in the DRC. And yet, we receive very few tourists. Responsible ecotourism is therefore necessary. Come and discover DRC.
Twenty-five percent of plant species known in Africa exist in the DRC. And yet, we receive very few tourists. Responsible ecotourism is therefore necessary. Come and discover DRC.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a rich country - we are rich in nature, minerals, music, languages, and people. We have the minerals necessary to transform the world into a green economy. We have the water resources to power all of Africa. Our music is recognized as a world cultural heritage. We speak many languages, and yet we are one people.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
I advocate for reforestation and self sufficiency, as well as the protection of ancient forests in Congo which are key carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. I am also against the rebel groups fighting in the Okapi's habitat, the illegal mining projects in parks, and the poachers attacking the endangered species.
