Congo's Gold Rush Threatens Biodiversity in the Sangha Region

Strategic Insights -

The Republic of Congo's efforts to preserve its forests through carbon credit programs are being undermined by unchecked gold mining in the Sangha region. Despite its commitment to reducing deforestation and forest degradation, the government has issued hundreds of mining permits, which could devastate the area's unique biodiversity and stored carbon. The Sangha region, which is home to 5 million hectares of forest, is estimated to store more net carbon dioxide than the Amazon Rainforest, making it a crucial site in the fight against climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republic of Congo has set up the Sangha-Likouala REDD+ program to reduce deforestation and forest degradation and carbon emissions, but the program has been compromised by unchecked gold mining in the Sangha region.
  • Since the start of the REDD+ program, Mining Minister Pierre Oba has issued 79 exploration and semi-industrial gold mining permits in Sangha, covering about 14% of the territory.
  • Local residents, such as Aristide Elong, have reported the devastating impact of mining operations on their environment, including the destruction of trees, waterways, and wildlife.
  • Cameroonian scientist and environmental activist Justin Chekoua criticized the destruction of primary forests, stating that it will take a long time for the forest to regenerate and regain its ability to sequester carbon.
  • National laws require mining companies to carry out environmental impact studies and submit a land rehabilitation or development plan, but geoscientist and environmental consultant Noël Ndoudy noted that inspections are not carried out regularly, allowing operators to take advantage of the lack of oversight.

Statistics:

  • The Sangha region is home to 5 million hectares (12.4 million acres) of forest.
  • The forests in the Sangha region are estimated to store more net carbon dioxide than the Amazon Rainforest.
  • The Sangha-Likouala REDD+ program had sequestered more than 1.5 million metric tons of carbon by 2020.
  • The World Bank will buy the resulting carbon credits for $8.3 million if the claims are verified.

Sources:

  • (https://news.mongabay.com/video/2025/02/investigating-the-real-price-of-congos-gold/)
  • (https://news.mongabay.com/2025/01/mining-in-a-forest-conservation-site-clouds-republic-of-congos-carbon-credit-scheme/%2523:~:text=In%252525202021%2525252C%25252520the%25252520ROC%25252520government,to%25252520offset%25252520their%25252520carbon%25252520emissions.)