WWF releases a study on Mining and Biodiversity Conservation in the Congo Basin
Gold mining
This study, commissioned by WWF, highlights the links between mining and biodiversity in the Congo Basin. It describes the current situation, and makes recommendations with regards the extractive industry sector in the Congo Basin forests to prevent the development of this industry from jeopardizing forest habitats, biodiversity and ecosystems and negatively impacting the communities depending on, largely forest resources.
The different thematic areas (Sustainable Palm Oil, Anti-poaching, Protected Areas management, governance market responsibilities, etc.) on which WWF works in the Congo Basin, represent an opportunity to build innovative models with the different stakeholders. WWF believes that a significant part of the forest area and ecosystem services could be maintained if appropriate guiding tools are provided to decision-makers.
While mining can provide an important contribution towards the economic development of the sub-region, the cumulative socio-environmental impacts associated the lack of strong policy framework, non-compliance, and little or no enforcement of environmental standards, could lead to negative unsustainable development, land-use conflicts, negative environmental impacts, loss of biodiversity, landscapes changes and inappropriate benefits to local communities.
This study provides accurate data and tools for stakeholders and policy makers who need relevant information from the mining and forest sectors in the Congo Basin and provides concrete proposals to limit the risks from the mining to biodiversity.
Most recently, in its new global approach, WWF has decided to focus its global and local efforts on six goals (Freshwater, Marine Areas, Forest, Wildlife, Agriculture, Climate and Energy) and three crosscutting themes: governance, markets and international finance. More than any other sector, the mining sector is the one for which these three crosscutting thematic areas are most appropriate to bring the change that our societies need, based on sustainable and inclusive growth.
According to Marc Languy, WWF Central Africa Director: "This study is an important tool for all stakeholders in environment in the Congo Basin. WWF therefore invites everyone to analyze its conclusions and be part of the journey in promoting the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Congo Basin ».
Gold mining
