In October 2023, leaders, scientists, and policymakers gathered in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, to address the pressing issue of preserving the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest on Earth. Despite its critical role in global climate regulation and biodiversity, the region often receives minimal attention in international discussions and funding efforts aimed at combating climate change.

Significance of the Congo Basin
The Congo Basin spans six countries in central Africa and is home to approximately 130 million people. It is often referred to as the "lungs of Africa" due to its vast forests that serve as a crucial carbon sink, absorbing around 600 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Unlike the Amazon, the Congo's forests remain largely intact and support an array of unique species, including endangered animals such as forest elephants, okapis, mountain gorillas, and bonobos. Dr. Yadvinder Malhi, an ecologist at Oxford University, emphasized the basin's importance, stating that it feeds vital river systems across the continent, sustaining millions of lives.

Challenges Facing the Basin
Despite its ecological significance, the Congo Basin faces increasing threats from logging, mining, and agricultural encroachment. Prof. Simon Lewis, co-chair of the Congo Basin Science Initiative, noted that while much of the forest remains untouched, the rates of carbon absorption are declining, raising concerns about the future of this vital ecosystem. The recent report from the Science Panel for the Congo Basin highlighted the urgent need for increased international support and funding, as current investments fall short compared to those for the Amazon and Borneo-Mekong regions.

Global Awareness and Action
During the conference in Brazzaville, participants expressed frustration over the lack of global acknowledgment regarding the challenges facing the Congo Basin. Prof. Bonaventure Sonké, co-chair of the Science Panel, underscored the need for more attention and resources, stating that the region is “the Earth’s most important but least-studied tropical rainforest.” With the ongoing COP30 climate conference in Belém, there is a critical opportunity for the international community to prioritize the Congo Basin in climate policy discussions.

Wrap-up
The Congo Basin stands as a vital ecological resource, yet it remains largely neglected in global climate initiatives. As scientists and policymakers continue to advocate for its preservation, the need for heightened awareness, funding, and action is more urgent than ever. Protecting this invaluable rainforest is not only essential for biodiversity but also for the climate stability of the entire planet.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team