There is no proper buffer zone between the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the surrounding communities. This is one of the reasons why there are some conflicts between the park management and some local residents.

But interestingly, there are some small patches of green areas, extending to about five kilometers long, that are beautifully maintained by local farmers. These are the tea and quinine plantations that were formerly belonged to Belgium farmers. Quinine is used to produce anti-malaria madicine.

These plantations share the border with the Park, and sometimes gorillas, even elephants in the past, roam there without causing damages to the plants.

Although it may not be a perfect one, these plantations are actually serving as a buffer zone in this area.