Africa has significant forest capital, considered the second largest set of lungs in the world after the Amazon rainforest. These forests are home to many plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world and support about 100 million people. The tropical forests of Africa, which include the Guinean forests of West Africa and the Congo Basin, as well as a vast rainforest, are under constant threat. Take a look at the situation with Life ONG.
What is the current state of deforestation in Africa?
Africa is home to about the second largest forest block in the world, but unfortunately this forest is disappearing at a rapid rate. Currently, in some African countries, they are losing forests at a rate of about 2-3% per year, and much faster in some countries. At this rate, if nothing is done, we risk losing everything.
Over the last 100 years, West Africa has lost about 90% of its forest cover. In many African countries, the only remaining forests are reserved for permanent forestry, which means they are protected. Today, in places such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, there is no more forest outside the reserves and even the reserves are being encroached upon and degraded by logging and excessive exploitation. In the Congo Basin, where there are still forests outside the reserves, these areas will soon disappear due to agriculture, commodity development and smallholder farming.
What are the impacts of deforestation on the continent?
According to Life ONG, the impact of deforestation goes beyond what we can imagine as human beings. Because there are many things we don’t know, we cannot fully understand the impact of the loss of our forest. What we do know is the impact it will have on biodiversity. However, if you look at the West African forest, it is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. There are many species that exist only in these forests and cannot survive in other forests. So when the forest disappears, these species will disappear too. Then there is the impact of accelerating climate change and the huge economic impact. But what is really critical is the impact of deforestation on the people who depend primarily on forests for survival, such as the indigenous peoples who live in the Congo Basin.
How can this situation be limited?
It is possible to take part in Life ONG actions and participate in reforestation by subsidizing a tree. By taking part in the SAPOUSSE action, you are not only taking care of the planet, but you are also preserving it for your children and future generations. Protect the forests and leave a positive footprint on this planet!
