Nadège Nzoyem, WWF’s regional director for the Congo Basin, firmly opposes mining in protected areas.

The conflict between conservation and extractive industries is stark. Governments have pledged to conserve these landscapes, but enforcing this commitment against powerful economic interests remains a daunting challenge. The recent Earth Insight analysis underscores the ongoing struggle to balance environmental protection with resource exploitation.

Mining activities threaten biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems that are crucial for local communities' livelihoods and global climate stability.

The long-term vulnerability of these protected areas is exacerbated by weak governance and lack of enforcement, leading to potential irreversible ecological degradation.

Can local infrastructure withstand future compounding shocks?

Weak governance and inadequate monitoring systems make it difficult for the region to cope with additional stressors like climate change. The failure to protect these areas could lead to a cascade of environmental issues, affecting both biodiversity and human settlements.

The outlook is negative due to the compounding risks posed by mining activities and climate change.