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The DRC wants to diversify its economy hitherto centered on mining resources. The government estimates its stocks at 22 billion barrels. Problem: many of these oil permits are located in the middle of the forest. Part of the trees may be razed to facilitate oil exploitation in the forest.
The government assures: Environmental standards will be respected ». « Modern technological means that protect the fauna and flora will be used “, certified Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi during the opening ceremony of the auction of 27 oil blocks, on July 28. But these guarantees are largely insufficient for Greenpeace, which warns against “ absolute disaster on the forest complex in the DRC.
The area up for sale covers more than 250,000 km2, an area larger than Guinea or the United Kingdom. Thirteen oil blocks straddle reserves or national parks. The others are mostly covered with tropical forests. However, it will be impossible to exploit Congolese oil without damaging them, agree all the environmental NGOs. This black gold industry is one of the causes of deforestation in the world. The example of Ecuador in South America is striking: 6,500 km2 of Amazonian forest have been destroyed in 25 years just to build roads to facilitate activities related to oil exploitation, according to the Ishpingo association.
Deforestation
In addition to the ecological drama, the development of this industry could accelerate the destruction of forests in the country, already African champion of deforestation, according to Global Forest Watch. Except that wood is essential for Congolese households. It is their primary source of energy. Exploitation is artisanal and the DRC is the leading producer of firewood in Central Africa. In 2015, its total production amounted to 82.5 million cubic meters, according to statistics from the FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Oil exploitation could also affect the industrial timber market in the DRC, even though timber exploitation volumes are among the lowest compared to other neighboring countries.
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