The Congo Basin forests, the green lung of Central Africa, are now threatened by deforestation and increasing pressure from human activity. With an area of 180 million hectares, this forest basin plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing a colossal amount of carbon. It even stores the equivalent of six years of global greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
However, recent data highlight an increase in pressure on these fragile ecosystems in the six countries sharing the Congo Basin forests. Deforestation, illegal logging, unsustainable agricultural and mining expansion are all threats to the region’s biodiversity and jeopardize the ecological balance that is so crucial for our planet.
Despite their vital importance to the health of the planet, the Congo Basin countries only receive 4% of the funding allocated to forest protection worldwide. This glaring gap between the conservation needs of these forests and the resources allocated reveals a glaring inequity in the distribution of funds dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
Faced with this worrying situation, the countries of the Congo Basin must make a strong plea at major international conferences such as COP26, in order to encourage polluting countries to respect their commitments in the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment. They must highlight the importance of the Congo Basin forests not only for the region, but for the entire world, by emphasizing the invaluable ecosystem services they provide.
The leaders of these countries must advocate for a significant increase in funding allocated to the preservation of the Congo Basin forests, in order to guarantee their long-term conservation. They must also demand a better distribution of financial resources on a global scale, so that countries that host exceptional biodiversity can benefit from adequate support for the protection of their fragile ecosystems.
In conclusion, protecting the Congo Basin forests is not just a matter for the countries of the region, but for the entire international community. Urgent action is needed to preserve these jewels of global biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for future generations. By joining forces and making their advocacy heard at major international forums, the Congo Basin countries have the opportunity to raise awareness around the world about the critical importance of conserving these forests for the well-being of our planet.