-A Decade Of Laxity, Forest Plundering
-A Look At The Impact On East African Climate And Possible Solutions
By The Insight Post-Uganda
Kampala-Uganda
The Congo Rainforest, second only to the Amazon in size, has long been celebrated as a global treasure with a breathtaking expanse of green, swarming with life and serving as a vital haven for countless species.
However, a dark cloud looms over this natural wonder as a new report reveals a harrowing truth. The treasured rainforest is shrinking at an alarming rate. Its piercing squeal and constricted breath reveal the immense struggle for survival against the destructive actions of humanity.
The report was jointly released by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Maryland on Global Forest Watch. In the year 2022 alone, over half a million hectares of forest were lost, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by the six African countries that share this precious ecosystem.
The Congo rainforest spans across Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon, with a staggering 60 percent of its expanse nestled within the DRC.
This disheartening revelation underscores the persistently high rate of primary forest loss in the DRC, leaving conservationists deeply concerned about the future of this remarkable ecosystem. Equally, it indicates a decade of laxity and unchecked plundering of the magnificent ecological resource.
Globally, the report paints a grim global picture, indicating that 4.1 million hectares of primary tropical forest were lost worldwide last year, an area equivalent to the size of Switzerland. This translates to 11 football pitches destroyed every single minute, as stated by the WRI.
Leading the charge in this devastation is Brazil, responsible for 43 percent of the total tropical primary forest loss, closely followed by the DRC at 12.1 percent and Bolivia. The consequences of this destruction are far-reaching, with the emissions generated estimated to be approximately 2.7 billion tonnes of CO2, akin to the annual emissions of India.
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/widget/treeLossPct/country/COD
2002-2022 Period
A closer look at the period between 2002 and 2022 reveals the relentless assault on the DRC’s precious humid primary forests, accounting for a staggering 6.33 million hectares lost a significant 35 percent of the nation’s total tree cover loss.
During this time, the area of humid primary forest in the DRC has decreased by 6.1 percent. These primary forests, characterized by their untouched beauty and absence of visible human impact, provide invaluable ecosystem services but remain under persistent threat.
Unravelling the key drivers behind the alarming forest loss, the report identifies small clearings near cyclical agricultural areas as the primary culprits. Cyclical agriculture involves the temporary clearance of land through slash-and-burn techniques for short-term crop cultivation, followed by periods of leaving the land fallow to allow for forest and soil regeneration.
Tree Lost-https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/widget/treeLoss/country/COD/
Furthermore, it indicates that the DRC’s high population growth rate of 3.19 percent has resulted in increased demands for food, leading to shorter fallow periods and further encroachment of agriculture into primary forests.
The challenges faced by the DRC extend beyond deforestation alone. Shockingly, a recent report reveals a 32 percent rise in the population without access to electricity in the past decade, leaving approximately 79 percent of the population in the dark.
Simultaneously, around 41 percent more people are now without access to clean cooking fuel, with a staggering 96 percent relying on polluting alternatives. Consequently, the Congolese people heavily depend on the forests to fulfil their basic needs, compounding the difficulties in curbing primary forest loss in the region.
The drivers of deforestation in the DRC are multifaceted, according to the report, and range from slash-and-burn agriculture and uncontrolled bushfires to charcoal production, cattle ranching, and illegal logging.
Charcoal, derived from cutting and burning timber, remains the dominant source of energy in the region. This heavy reliance on unsustainable practices exacerbates the already critical situation faced by the Congo Rainforest.
Following the mounting concerns, the Congolese government in Kinshasa made a controversial decision in July 2022. Rather than reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the government announced plans to auction oil and gas permits in critically endangered gorilla habitats and the world’s largest tropical peatlands.
This move sparked intense criticism from environmentalists who argue that exploiting fossil fuel resources further threatens the delicate balance of the region’s ecosystems.
The economic factors at play cannot be overlooked in this tragic narrative. The Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the globe’s five most impoverished countries, has approximately 60 million inhabitants, which accounts for nearly 62 percent of its population, living on a daily income of less than $2.15.
The struggle to meet basic needs and alleviate poverty often leads to the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, including the valuable timber found in the rainforest. The delicate balance between economic imperatives and environmental preservation becomes a challenging tightrope to navigate.
Still, as global attention increasingly focuses on climate change and deforestation, the DRC’s failure to halt deforestation by 2030, as pledged in the Glasgow declaration of 2021, raises serious questions about forest governance.
An audit report released in April 2022 revealed significant shortcomings in the management of forests in the DRC, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and conservation strategies.
NET CHANGEIN TREE COVER–https://www.globalforestwatch.org/embed/widget/netChange/country/COD
The story of the Congo Rainforest’s retreat serves as a sobering reminder of the interconnectedness between human livelihoods and the health of our planet. It is a story of delicate ecosystems pushed to the brink by complex socioeconomic challenges.
While the responsibility to protect and restore these forests lies with governments, international organizations, and environmental activists, the engagement and understanding of everyday individuals are crucial.
The urgency of this situation demands collective action and innovative solutions. Efforts to combat deforestation in the Congo Rainforest must include sustainable agriculture practices, alternative energy sources, and community-based conservation initiatives.
Investing in education and awareness programs is also essential to empower local communities to become stewards of the forest, understanding the value of preserving their natural heritage for generations to come.
However, hope glimmers amidst the bleakness. Numerous organizations, both local and international, are working tirelessly to address the challenges facing the Congo Rainforest.
Conservation projects, reforestation initiatives, and sustainable development programs are being implemented to protect and restore the fragile ecosystems within the region. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to preserving the Congo Rainforest, there is a chance to reverse its retreat and secure a sustainable future.
The fate of the Congo Rainforest hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming years will shape its destiny. It is a call to action for individuals, governments, and the international community to recognize the critical importance of this global treasure and take bold steps to ensure its survival.
However, the clock is ticking, and the vanishing green demands our attention, our compassion, and our unwavering dedication to safeguard the irreplaceable wonders of the Congo Rainforest.
Impact On East Africa Community
Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are the new member. DRC joined the East African Community (EAC) on March 29, 2022, becoming its 7th Partner State. This occurred during the 19th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State held in Arusha, Tanzania.
However, the appalling deforestation in the Congo has a great impact on the East African Community in the following ways.
First and foremost, the Congo Rainforest acts as a moisture pump, contributing to the formation of rain clouds and generating rainfall. This means that large-scale deforestation can disrupt this process, leading to reduced precipitation in neighbouring regions like East Africa.
The loss of forest cover decreases the availability of moisture and alters atmospheric circulation patterns, potentially causing drought conditions.
Moreover, temperature variations occur as a result of deforestation: Forests play a vital role in temperature regulation by offering shade and releasing moisture through evapotranspiration. Land surface temperatures rise when deforestation takes place, as uncovered soil and vegetation absorb and retain more heat. This escalation in temperature can disturb local climate patterns, potentially resulting in heightened temperatures across East Africa.
Looking at the weather patterns, the Congo Rainforest contributes to the formation of weather systems, including the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Therefore, deforestation can shift the location and intensity of the ITCZ, which in turn affects the distribution of rainfall in surrounding areas. Changes in weather patterns can have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, water resources, and ecosystem stability in East Africa.
Another impact is the increased vulnerability to extreme weather events: encroaching on the Congo rainforest and cutting its trees weakens the natural buffer provided by the rainforest against extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.
Without the protective canopy and dense root systems, the soil becomes more prone to erosion and water runoff. This vulnerability can exacerbate the impacts of extreme weather events, leading to increased risks of flooding and water scarcity in East Africa.
Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services is inevitable as the habitat diminishes for numerous plant and animal species, disrupting delicate ecological balances. The loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on ecosystems and the services they provide, such as pollination, carbon sequestration, and regulation of water cycles. These disruptions can further influence climate patterns and resilience in East Africa.
According to Anthony Kalyango, the Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BCF), it’s important to note that the climate system is complex and interconnected, and the impacts of deforestation in the Congo Rainforest on the East African climate can be influenced by various factors.
However, he adds, it is widely recognised that preserving intact forests, such as the Congo Rainforest, is crucial for maintaining regional climate stability and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and improving the livelihoods of the country and the EA community.
Possible Solutions
Given the significant loss of one million hectares in the Congo Rainforest, it is crucial for East African countries to take proactive measures to address the situation and mitigate the impacts of deforestation.
According to Kalyago, strengthening regional cooperation is vital s one of the key solutions to the deforestation problem. East African countries can collaborate on initiatives to combat deforestation and promote sustainable forest management. This can involve sharing best practices, knowledge, and resources to develop effective strategies for forest conservation and restoration.
Furthermore, encouraging sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, can reduce the reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture and promote long-term soil health. Introducing regulations and incentives for responsible land-use planning can help prevent further encroachment into primary forest areas.
Promoting reforestation and restoration efforts is another possible solution. Investing in large-scale reforestation projects can help restore degraded areas and establish new forest cover, according to Environment experts and activists. They say this can involve planting native tree species, engaging local communities in restoration activities, and implementing long-term monitoring and protection measures.
In addition, they say strengthening forest governance and law enforcement is crucial to combat illegal logging, charcoal production, and land encroachment in East Africa and can relieve tropical forests from encroachment and destruction. This can be achieved through improved coordination between relevant government agencies, implementation of stricter regulations, and capacity building for law enforcement personnel.
They further propose engaging local communities in forest conservation and sustainable resource management is essential. Supporting community-led initiatives, providing alternative livelihood options, and ensuring equitable access to resources can help reduce dependence on destructive practices while promoting conservation efforts.
Regarding raising awareness and education, environmentalists say that conducting public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help increase understanding of the importance of forests, biodiversity, and the impacts of deforestation. This is possible through educating the public, including school curricula, can empower individuals to make informed decisions and support sustainable practices.
Fostering international cooperation and support can also work. East African countries can seek international support and partnerships to address the deforestation crisis in the Congo Rainforest. Collaborating with international organisations, donor agencies, and neighbouring countries can provide access to funding, technical expertise, and knowledge sharing.
Additionally, supporting the development of sustainable industries, such as eco-tourism, non-timber forest products, and renewable energy, can provide economic incentives for local communities to protect and sustainably manage forest resources.
Finally, the countries should invest in advanced technologies and remote sensing tools that can improve monitoring capabilities to detect deforestation and illegal activities in real-time. Establishing comprehensive forest monitoring systems and sharing data with relevant stakeholders can help inform evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.
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