Logging in rebel-held DRC threatens gorillas, alarms environmentalists
Tropical forests in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that fell into rebel hands this year have seen a spike in illegal logging to produce charcoal and timber, residents and environmentalists said, raising fears of large-scale degradation.
The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a Unesco World Heritage site west of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC, which was seized by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in February. It is home to hundreds of species of birds and one of the last groups of eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer's gorillas.
1The advance this year of M23, which now holds more territory than ever in eastern DRC, has reopened roads that were once restricted due to government checkpoints, enabling more efficient transport of goods — including charcoal, known locally by the Swahili word makala.
That has led to more trees being felled in and around the park, charcoal producers and traders told Reuters.
'We plant trees for clean air, but also to make charcoal, produce planks and for construction,' said Espoir Gedeon, who transports timber from the forests near Bukavu.
The producers and traders said charcoal prices have plunged as supply has surged. Bags weighing up to 70kg that once fetched 120,000 Congolese francs (R747) now sell for less than half that.
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