KIBATI, Democratic Republic of Congo, July 17 (Reuters)* - In Kibati town near Mount Nyiragongo, deforestation has soared due to ongoing conflict, says the UN. Traders barter over charcoal, and motorbikes laden with planks highlight the environmental toll of the M23 militia insurgency in North Kivu, which has displaced over 1.7 million people.
"In the camp, we're dying of hunger. We've decided to make charcoal so we can feed our children," said displaced vendor Jacques Muzayi. The conflict has intensified deforestation in Virunga National Park, home to endangered species like mountain gorillas.
A UN report on July 8 stated forest loss in Nyiragongo and Rutshuru has reached "unprecedented levels" since martial law was declared in 2021. Armed groups profit from illegal logging, leading to significant destruction of virgin forest.
Global Forest Watch data shows a 22% increase in tree cover loss in Virunga, with 6,804 hectares lost in 2021 and 7,255 hectares in 2022. Virunga Park Director Emmanuel de Merode confirmed the conflict has greatly accelerated deforestation.
Displaced people, like Christoph Lewis, emphasize the link between war and environmental destruction, calling for an end to the conflict to protect the environment.
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment