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cover of episode Gorillas, militias, and Bitcoin: Why Congo’s most famous national park is betting big on crypto

Gorillas, militias, and Bitcoin: Why Congo’s most famous national park is betting big on crypto

2024/11/6
logo of podcast MIT Technology Review Narrated

MIT Technology Review Narrated

Chapters

Virunga National Park in Congo has become the first national park to operate a Bitcoin mine, powered by clean energy, to fund its conservation efforts amidst militia threats and financial challenges.
  • Virunga National Park is the first national park to operate a Bitcoin mine.
  • The mine is powered by a hydroelectric power station within the park.
  • The park faces threats from militias and financial challenges, including a reliance on tourism that has been disrupted by disease outbreaks and violence.

Shownotes Transcript

In an attempt to protect its forests and famous wildlife, Virunga has become the first national park to run a Bitcoin mine. But some are wondering what crypto has to do with conservation.

This story was written by Adam Popescu and narrated by Noa (newsoveraudio.com)