World Wildlife Fund (WWF) researchers recently presented a comprehensive study on deforestation in the Congo Basin at the 60th Annual Meeting of The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation in Kigali, Rwanda. The study, led by Dr. K. Paul N'Goran of WWF's Regional Office for Africa, offers crucial insights into forest cover changes across six Central African countries over three decades.

Key Findings

• A staggering 352,642 km² of dense forest was lost between 1990 and 2020 across the Congo Basin.
• Protected areas, particularly National Parks, showed greater resilience against deforestation compared to less protected regions.
• Human activities emerged as the primary driver of forest loss, with a more pronounced impact in areas with lower protection status.

Research Scope and Methodology

The study encompassed six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Google Earth Engine and Landsat satellite imagery, the research team mapped and quantified changes in forest cover and human-modified areas over 30 years.

Implications for Conservation

Dr. N'Goran emphasized the significance of this research for conservation efforts: "Our findings provide critical baseline data to support and assess global biodiversity targets, particularly the '30x30' objective of protecting 30% of Earth's land and sea areas by 2030."

The study underscores the effectiveness of protected areas in slowing deforestation rates, highlighting the need for expanded and well-managed conservation zones.

Looking Ahead

WWF researchers recommend further analyses using high-resolution imagery and the integration of carbon stock assessments to develop more effective resilience measures. They are also exploring the development of an automated web application to streamline ongoing monitoring efforts.

This groundbreaking research reinforces WWF's commitment to preserving the Congo Basin, the world's second-largest tropical forest and a vital resource in the fight against climate change.