UK Opposes Congo Park Oil Exploration The British government has come out against a plan in which a British firm will explore for oil in Congo, in Africa's oldest national park. The UK opposes oil exploration within Virunga National Park, a World Heritage site listed by UNESCO as being 'in danger.' We have informed SOCO and urge the Government of DR Congo to fully respect the international conventions to which it is a signatory," the British Foreign Office said in a statement Wednesday. The Congo government recently authorized the British firm SOCO to explore for oil in Virunga, home to more than 200 gorillas.