Congo Basin: Africa and the world’s green heart!

The Congo Basin abounding with life is a fusion of forests, savannah, swamps, rivers and flooded forests. It is home to about 10 000 species of tropical plants, of which 30% are specific to this region. Endangered species such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos and lowland and mountain gorillas populate these lush forests. In total, more than 400 mammal species, 1000 bird species and 700 fish species are hosted in the zone.

For over 50,000 years, the Congo Basin has provided food, water and shelter for more than 75 million people. Nearly 150 distinct ethnic groups coexist, including the inhabitants of the Ba'Aka region, the most famous representatives of an ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle whose lifestyle and well-being are intimately linked to the forest.

Localisation

The Congo Basin covers six countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Surface area

About 3.7 million km² (more than the surface areas of India and France combined)

Climate

Tropical, hot, humid.  Rainfall varies from one part of the basin to another and is often unpredictable.

Present species

Lowland and mountain gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees, forest elephant, buffalo, bongos, okapi, crocodiles, goliath tiger fish, tortoises.

An area weakened by human interference

The Congo Basin brims with natural resources such as wood, diamond and petrol but current volumes and extraction methods of these resources are not sustainable in the long run and are a threat to the region’s future. Also, hunting and poaching of wild species may wipe out several species.

Deforestation

Demand for firewood and charcoal has stimulated deforestation in Virunga National Park, likewise palm oil plantations and other commercial farming operations which are a growing threat to the region's forests and rivers.

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