** The Imbongo forest: between cultural heritage and economic destruction **
On March 11, 2025, the civil society in the Imbongo sector in the territory of Bulungu was sounding the alarm concerning the illicit sale of several forests by land chiefs. This distressing observation does not only evoke an environmental problem, it also testifies to a complex struggle between respect for ancestral traditions and contemporary economic realities. In an increasingly industrialized world, this situation deserves an in -depth analysis, both at the socio -cultural and economic level.
### A threatened heritage
Imbongo forests are not only natural resources; They carry a deep cultural meaning for the communities that live there. Inherited from their ancestors, these forest lands symbolize a sacred relationship between man and nature, a relationship that most African cultures have recorded in their traditions. The sale of these forests, orchestrated by certain heads of land, reveals an increasing disconnection with this cultural heritage.
The president of civil society, Mitterrand Anto, highlights a paradox: the same leaders, supposed to protect these riches, choose to yield them for immediate financial gains. This desire for short -term profit can cause long -term disastrous consequences, not only for local populations, but also for the fragile ecosystem of the region.
### Impact on local agriculture
The populations of the surrounding villages, which depend on these forests for various agricultural activities, are now found in difficulty. Deforestation, driven by these illegal sales, compromises not only biodiversity, but also the food security of communities which often do not have viable alternatives. This raises questions about the management of natural resources in a context where sustainable development would be supposed to be priority.
Statistically, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the countries with the highest deforestation rate in the world. According to recent FAO reports, the DRC has lost around 2 million hectares of forest per year in recent years. If this phenomenon continues in Imbongo, the situation could become alarming, with an increased risk of food shortage and conflicts related to resources.
### The Voices of Silence: a civil society changing
It is interesting to note that, despite the risks involved, some heads of earth choose not to react to these accusations. Is it a tacit form of complicity or a fear of reprisals? Civil society, as Mitterrand Anto points out, is gradually changing. More and more actors are raised against these practices, but change takes time and requires a legal framework and awareness tools to inform communities.
### A collaborative solution?
At this crucial stage, the future of Imbongo forests could depend on a more inclusive and participative governance. Opening the dialogue between civil society, local authorities and the heads of land is essential. Awareness initiatives for the importance of forests for future generations could also play a key role.
Pilot projects, which combine the preservation of the environment and economic development, could serve as examples to follow. For example, community forest management models in West Africa, where villagers are involved in sustainable resource management, could be envisaged in this context. These experiences show that conservation and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive, but can go hand in hand when good practices are implemented.
### Conclusion
The situation of Imbongo forests is emblematic of a larger phenomenon which affects many regions of the world. The tension between the economic exploitation of nature and the preservation of cultural heritage is a challenge that must be faced with wisdom and innovation. By shedding light on these illicit sales, it is crucial to recognize that the fight for the safeguard of forests is also that for the dignity and the future of the peoples which depend on it.
As the collective conscience evolves, it is time to rethink the way in which we deal with our natural resources, not as simple goods, but as essential elements of our identity and our future.