Central Africa can develop sustainably only with environmental protection, social equity: Report - Down To Earth Magazine

Central Africa is seeing an acceleration in oil extraction, mining and forestry, that is putting pressure on ecosystems

African forest buffalo, an African forest elephant and a lowland gorilla at Langoué Baï, in the Ivindo National Park in Gabon, Central Africa. Photo: @Humm93520040 / Twitter

Central Africa, which is rich in natural resources, can develop itself sustainably provided the resources are shared equitably and the region’s environment is protected, a recent report has said.

Development based on respect for the environment and social equity will be the only way to prevent poverty and war, the report added.

The report, titled Protected Areas in Central Africa 2020, has been produced under the Central Africa Forest Observatory (OFAC), a specialised unit of the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC).

Central Africa is rich in petroleum, copper, manganese, iron, diamond, cobalt and coltan.

Macroeconomic forecasts for 2020 for central African countries indicate a growth rate of between –2.5 per cent and –4.3 per cent.

The decline in the price of oil per barrel since late 2018, coupled with the global health crisis stemming from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), have led to a deteriorating economic situation.

Consequently, governments in the region are accelerating oil extraction and diversifying national economies, especially toward mining and forestry industries.

Natural ecosystems in the region are being exposed to:

• Wildlife poaching
• Expansion of...

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