Category: Ecology

** Kinshasa in front of floods: towards a revolution in urban mobility **

The recent climate disaster that struck Kinshasa, causing the death of 22 people due to torrential rains, highlights the urgency of an adaptation of transport infrastructure. While waiting for the city to rise, the Ministry of Transport has deployed river shuttles to connect the city to the airport, revealing the vulnerability of the roads in the face of extreme climatic events.

With nearly 4 million inhabitants living in areas at risk of flooding, the need for reflected town planning and a viability of transport systems is more pressing than ever. River transport, still under-exploited, could offer an effective alternative, but strategic investments are essential for the future.

Beyond infrastructure, community solidarity and local organization are essential during these crises. In this context, Kinshasa has the opportunity to reinvent its urban model, by integrating resilience and sustainability in its future projects in order to cope with the challenges of climate change of the 21st century.

** Kinshasa under waters: a predictable disaster which calls for action **

On April 4, 2024, Kinshasa was ravaged by torrential rains, causing devastating floods that claimed the lives of at least ten people. This disaster, far from being a surprise, highlights the glaring gaps in town planning and disaster management in the Congolese capital. While extreme weather events are multiplying due to climate change, the city has largely remained poorly prepared. The illegal occupation of sensitive areas and the absence of effective alert systems aggravates the vulnerability of populations already in difficulty. With more than 26% of Congolese people living below the poverty line, the disaster highlights the urgency of proactive risk management and community commitment. Beyond the tragedy, this situation offers a crucial opportunity to rethink town planning and build a more resilient future for Kinshasa. It is time for the government, NGOs and the community to unite their efforts to transform this crisis into a real lever for change.

** Kinshasa in front of floods: a call for urban resilience **

The night of April 5 to 6 revealed in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the extent of the challenges the city is confronted. Torrential rains have caused devastating floods, especially in the commune of Mont-Ngafula, causing tragic human losses and the destruction of many households. Behind this disaster is hiding a long -standing problem: dilapidated infrastructure and unsuitable drainage systems. Despite the rehabilitation promises of the authorities, such as those of the quaestor of the Provincial Assembly, the implementation remains uncertain.

However, the resilience of the inhabitants, who organize themselves to help the victims and raise awareness about waste management, shows another facet of history. Community initiatives are emerging as an essential link to deal with these crises. For Kinshasa, it is time for action: it is crucial to build a lasting future through integrative urban planning and daring political decisions. Only a collective mobilization will be able to transform these tests into renaissance opportunities and offer citizens a safer living environment.

### Pollen allergies: a scourge growing by 2050

With the arrival of spring, the beauty of sunny days hides an insidious danger: allergic rhinitis. Today, almost 25% of French people suffer, but this proportion could double by 2050. If we consider WHO figures, allergies affect nearly 400 million people worldwide, with environmental factors, modern lifestyle and a complex genetics. The economic costs linked to this condition, often underestimated, represent billions of euros each year.

To cope with this rise in allergies, the adoption of preventive solutions, such as environmental education and ecological initiatives, appears crucial. The promotion of urban gardens and respect for biodiversity could help moderate the production of pollen while improving our quality of life. It is time to rethink our relationship to nature to build a future where spring beauty does not rhyme with inconvenience. A collective reflection on our environmental choices is essential to preserve our health and that of future generations.

** Tensions and perspectives at Virunga National Park: a call for community inclusion **

Virunga National Park, a jewel of biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is found in the heart of a complex dilemma. During a recent meeting in the National Assembly, the deputies of the Beni Caucus highlighted the growing crisis between the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), local populations and the armed forces. This situation highlights a multiple facets conflict where land management and the exclusion of communities act as catalysts of tensions.

Faced with this observation, the idea of ​​co-management, which would integrate the voices of the inhabitants into conservation decisions, emerges as a promising solution. Based on successful international experiences, the article calls for a rapprochement between conservation and local economic development, stressing the importance of a sustainable model, respectful of human rights.

In this quest for reconciliation, the role of political leaders, starting with President Félix Tshisekedi, is crucial to establish an authentic dialogue between the stakeholders. The current situation of the park is a golden opportunity to rethink environmental policies inclusive. The success of this transition will depend on an understanding of local needs and a collaborative approach, essential to ensure both the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of human communities.

### Snake bites in sub -Saharan Africa: a call for action not heard

A recent Fatshimetric report reveals a public health crisis denouncing snake bites, often overlooked, which kill between 80,000 and 140,000 people per year in sub -Saharan Africa. Through the poignant testimonies of doctors like Dr. Eugene Erulu and victims such as Safari Charo Ndindow, the investigation highlights the devastating economic repercussions, where the cost of care can dive families into poverty. While the quality of the antivenins available is debated, the text raises crucial questions on the responsibility of governments and the need for a coordinated answer. The education of communities and the improvement of health infrastructure is urgent, making snake bites an essential indicator of the state of overall health in the region. Faced with this tragedy, it is time for the world to become aware and act.

** Removal of farmers in North Kivu: a tragedy that reveals the fragility of a region in crisis **

North Kivu, a fertile region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is again plagued by violence. On April 2, in Mbongya, eleven farmers were removed by armed men, a situation that highlighted the grip of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on an already vulnerable population. This violence does not only strike individuals, it threatens the entire agricultural system, while nearly 27 million Congolese suffer from food insecurity.

In a context where the State struggles to guarantee security, farmers become privileged targets, disturbing vital production chains. The urgency of a collective response is essential: it is crucial to articulate strategies that combine security, economic support and community well-being. The future of North Kivu depends on our ability to hear the cries of distress of those who work to feed their country every day. The time for the action has come.

### Sud-Kivu: struggle for agriculture and peace in a context of violence

** UVIRA, April 3, 2025 **-The Democratic Republic of Congo, and in particular South Kivu, is plunged into a silent tragedy where violence consumes the foundations of agriculture. Jean-Claude Malimbukoko, agricultural entrepreneur, reveals an alarming painting: former fertile fields become deserts of despair, threatening the survival of thousands of families. Far from being only an issue of food security, this crisis illustrates a larger social and economic problem, where 60 % of Congolese find their subsistence in agriculture.

The situation is complicated by a vicious circle of violence and destruction, which leaves farmers in continuous precariousness. The risk of famine in the region could worsen without an appropriate response. However, initiatives in East Africa show that agriculture can be a lever for peace and stabilization. By investing in agricultural development programs, South Kivu could not only restore its food security, but also promote social cohesion.

An inclusive dialogue is urgent, bringing together farmers, governments and NGOs to create a secure environment. The journey towards an agricultural renaissance is long, but it is possible. The future of South Kivu, rich in resources, could be that where agriculture and peace are flourishing together. Each abandoned field is a potential to restore, and a call for international solidarity to respond to this distress is imperative.

** masisi: a human tragedy at the heart of the violence of North Kivu **

On April 3, 2025, the Camp Saïo district of Masisi was shaken by tragic clashes, leaving five dead and eight injured, including an entire family. This event illustrates the fragility of peace in North Kivu, a region marked by ethnic conflicts and struggles for resources. Behind these figures hide human stories devastated by violence, especially that of children, often the most vulnerable in these wars.

The massive displacement of inhabitants to safer areas testifies to a latent humanitarian crisis, aggravated by already weakened health systems. While local authorities are faced with a challenge to trust and security, the international community is called upon to act to support lasting peace. The road to reconciliation requires inclusive dialogues and community initiatives, in order to transform this land bruised into a symbol of hope and resilience. Masisi must serve as a alert for everyone: behind each drama, there are lives to save and a future to rebuild.

### Malnutrition in the DRC: a call for urgent action

The Democratic Republic of Congo is going through a devastating malnutrition crisis, jeopardizing the lives of nearly 28 million people. Although rich in natural resources, the country sees almost one in four residents suffering from acute food insecurity. The figures are alarming: provinces such as Tanganyika and Kasai Central display malnutrition rates which borders on 34%. This scourge does not only result from conflicts, but from a confluence of factors ranging from political instability to structural poverty.

At a time when the number of individuals requiring food aid continues to increase, the control programs stagnate, exacerbated by the freezing of international funding. This hinders not only the survival of millions of Congolese, but also delays the economic development of the country.

Faced with this reality, it is essential that the international community and Congolese leaders collaborate to develop sustainable solutions. Agroecology, agricultural education and long -term investments in infrastructure are all promising avenues to improve food security.

The fight against malnutrition in the DRC poses a challenge that cannot be ignored. A collective action is essential to build a future where each Congolese can eat their hunger and contribute to the growth of their country. It is a call for global solidarity, because each life lost in this crisis means a potential sacrificed for the whole of the African continent.