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The Democratic Republic of Congo is regarded as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Yet illegal logging remains a grave threat. Many Congolese people are standing up to protect nature and defend human rights. But, in doing so, they face harassment and legal persecution.
The Congo Basin is home to the world’s second-largest rainforest, with 60 percent of it located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This makes the country a global biodiversity hotspot. President Felix Tshisekedi has reportedly positioned the nation as a “solution country” in addressing the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, and international donors like the European Union are supporting this vision with millions of euros.
Countless courageous women and men – particularly Indigenous peoples and local communities – are said to be working tirelessly to safeguard these forests for everyone.
However, the Congolese government appears to be falling short in its responsibilities, according to John Hayduska of Rainforest Rescue
According to him, forest and human rights activists face intimidation, harassment, persecution and imprisonment at the hands of companies, powerful individuals, and state authorities such as the military, police, prosecutors, and courts.
Hayduska said: “For example, in November, a court in Maniema Province sentenced environmental activist Yahya Mirambo Bin Lubangi to six months in prison and imposed a steep fine. Lubangi is part of SOCEARUCO, a local organisation fighting illegal logging, especially of rosewood.
“The government is failing to enforce forestry regulations meant to protect nature and Indigenous peoples’ rights. For instance, the moratorium on new logging concessions, which has been in place since 2002, has not curbed illegal activities or timber smuggling.
“The outcome: one of the highest rates of deforestation of any country in the world.”
Josué Aruna, Executive Director, Congo Basin Conservation Society, said: “We urge our government to stop the threats and arrests targeting environmental defenders by ensuring the protection of these unsung heroes.”
Rainforest Rescue is seeking endorsement to a petition urging the DRC Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, and international donors of the Central African Forest Initiative to end the harassment and acknowledge environmental defenders as partners in protecting the climate and biodiversity.
