In the lush setting of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a unique natural treasure is in peril. Alarming images reveal the devastating impact of illegal mining on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For eight long years, the Chinese mining company Kimia Mining has expanded exponentially inside the reserve, threatening the fragile environment of the area. Local people and conservationists accuse the company of destroying the ecosystem of this region.
Created in 1996, the Okapi Reserve is an emblematic place for its exceptional biodiversity, home to many endangered species, including the majestic Okapi, a close relative of the giraffe. This iconic animal represents approximately 15% of the world population, or 30,000 individuals, and its preservation is crucial for the conservation of the species.
Spanning over 13,000 square kilometres, the reserve is part of the Congo Basin, a rainforest that is critical for storing carbon and combating climate change. In addition to its wealth of wildlife, the area is also home to valuable mineral resources such as gold and diamonds.
Despite its protected status, the reserve was the scene of illegal mining activities before the arrival of the Chinese company. Kimia Mining grants limited access to local miners for a fee that many of them cannot afford. This has had a devastating impact on local communities, as witnessed by Muvunga Kakule, a former artisanal miner who has been forced to close down his operations and see his income drastically reduced.
Conservation groups are fighting to preserve the reserve, but the complex legal issues make the task difficult. Despite recent permit renewals until 2048 granted to Kimia Mining, some local authorities are considering the closure of all mining companies operating in the reserve, demonstrating a desire to restore environmental justice.
The issue is more than simply protecting a remarkable natural site. It is about preserving a world heritage, an inestimable ecological wealth and the legacy to be passed on to future generations. The poignant testimonies of locals and nature defenders reflect the urgent need to take concrete measures to safeguard this threatened natural treasure.
It is imperative that the Congolese authorities act decisively to protect the Okapi Reserve and ensure the survival of its emblematic species. The future of this jewel of nature rests in their hands, with the hope that future generations will be able to continue to contemplate the splendor of the exceptional fauna and flora that populate this unique region in the world.