The task of the managers of Maiko National Park is to protect the rainforest and its biological diversity and to preserve its importance in ecological, cultural and socio-economic terms. There are a total of 11 ranger posts in the three sectors of the national park, but most are unmanned for financial reasons. Those responsible for the park do whatever they can.

The park faces many threats: rapid population growth in the surrounding area, large-scale agriculture and livestock farming, extraction of minerals and various other resources, expansion of infrastructure, industrialization. During patrols within the park, the rangers regularly observe poaching and poachers' camps, exploitation of resources, burning of forest areas to create new fields, the establishment of new settlements and signs of the presence of armed groups. A total of five armed groups are currently present in the park; four of these are willing to work together with the park managers.

Every month there are as many patrols as the limited resources allow. In the first half of 2024, there were 44 patrols, totalling 590 man-days. During patrols, all significant observations are recorded, including sightings and traces of endangered animal species. While gorillas were not observed directly, 296 traces of them were recorded (nests, faeces, traces of food, hair).

The park managers rely on cooperation with the population, for whom the forest is their livelihood. The people living in the vicinity of the park also need to be involved in decision-making as is now legally required in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This includes determining means to improve the living conditions of the population. In this endeavour, the park is supported mainly by Fauna & Flora International. Measures include support for tree planting, the introduction of energy-saving stoves and environmental education.

Lucien Gédéon Lokumu Ilombelombe has been the Director of the park since the beginning of 2024. Despite the many problems, he takes a positive view of his first six months on the job. Although the financial situation is very difficult, some important projects have been launched, such as a large mammal survey in the southern sector, but considerable additional funding is needed to extend this survey to the entire area of the park. There are new plans for the future, such as camera traps to complement the survey. Options for the introduction of tourism to the park are also under discussion.

Summary of the report for the first half of 2024