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Congo River's Heartbeat: Life on the Edge
16 Feb
Summary
- Millions rely on the Congo River basin for survival.
- The basin is Earth's second-largest rainforest.
- Peatlands beneath forests hold billions of tons of carbon.
The Congo River basin, a vital ecosystem, supports millions who depend on its waters and resources. Jean de Dieu Mokuma, a pilot of a timber raft, navigates the challenging currents and corruption to earn income, stating, "With the current, once your voyage has begun, there is no turning back." He seeks to make $300 in Kinshasa.
This vast rainforest, the second largest on Earth, is a biodiversity hotspot and crucial carbon sink. However, it faces immense pressure from a growing population and unregulated exploitation. Rangers like Erick Bayo confront illegal charcoal production, destroying habitats near Kinshasa to meet the city's demand.
Recent discoveries of extensive peatlands, the Cuvette Centrale, reveal they hold 30 billion tonnes of trapped carbon. Despite the cancellation of oil and gas drilling rights auctions in 2024, much of this vital peatland remains unprotected.
The future of the "lungs of Africa" hangs in the balance as DRC lost 21 million hectares of trees between 2001 and 2024. Conservation efforts must urgently outpace continued exploitation to safeguard this critical global resource.
