In the Sud-Ubangi region, in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a pressing call is ringing out: the need for the local population to actively engage in the management and protection of the forests that surround them. Benjamin Kuma Niwa, provincial Minister of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Hydrocarbons, recently urged residents to take part in preserving this crucial ecosystem.
The urgency is palpable. The forests of Sud-Ubangi are facing a growing threat, mainly due to massive deforestation perpetrated by illegal actors. This situation is jeopardizing the biological diversity of the region, threatening the extinction of many animal and plant species that depend on it.
To counter this scourge, Minister Kuma calls for general mobilization. He encourages the implementation of a community forestry policy, placing members of the population at the center of forest management. This participatory approach aims to empower everyone to protect their environment, thus offering a tangible chance to preserve these precious natural resources for future generations.
Loggers are not spared from this call to action. Benjamin Kuma Niwa warns against illegal practices and announces severe sanctions for those who break the law. He insists on the importance of respecting the standards in force in order to guarantee sustainable exploitation of forest resources, while respecting the environmental balance.
Sud-Ubangi, although rich in promising agricultural potential, has already lost more than 30% of its biodiversity. It is therefore imperative to change course and adopt more sustainable practices to preserve this unique natural heritage. Awareness and active participation of all are essential to reverse the trend and protect these precious ecosystems.
Ultimately, the protection of the forests of Sud-Ubangi cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the authorities. It is a collective challenge, a responsibility shared by the entire community. By joining forces, the region’s inhabitants can preserve their environment, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of local biodiversity and the preservation of the planet as a whole.