Controversy over the Konkuati-Douli oil licence

As the world celebrated World Rainforest Day on June 22, controversy broke out in Congo-Brazzaville. The recent awarding of an oil exploration license to a Chinese company directly threatens the country’s ecological jewel, the Konkouati-Doule National Park.

Environmentalists are stepping up their condemnation of the decision, which could have disastrous consequences.

Controversial authorization

Last January, Congolese Government The decision, made without public consultation, quickly drew the ire of local and international NGOs. Earth Insight and Greenpeace Africa, in partnership with several Congolese organizations, sounded the alarm about the dangers the project posed to the park’s ecosystem.

Threats to biodiversity

this Kangkuati-Dooli National Park The 5,000 square kilometer reserve is located on the border with Gabon. It is home to incredible biodiversity, including endangered species such as western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants. The tropical forests throughout the area are also important carbon sinks, which are crucial in combating climate change.

Stella Tchoukep from Greenpeace Africa puts it bluntly: This is a sad step backwards She said the exploration license violated international commitments signed by Congo-Brazzaville to protect national parks and forests. 28th United Nations General Assembly“Today, we talk about sustainable development, which must take into account not only the economic but also, and above all, the social and environmental aspects,” she insisted.

Oil versus Population: Social Implications and Urgent Call for Action

In addition to the environmental threats, the oil project could have a disastrous impact on local communities. Thousands of villagers depend directly on the forest for their livelihoods. We have an intact ecosystem. We have people living and relying on this ecosystem. And then, to combat climate change, we even have a large carbon reserve. Stella Tchoukep explains.

NGOs are calling on the Congolese authorities to respond forcefully and immediately. “It is not only necessary for the state to cancel the Conkouati oil block. We must completely ban exploration and extraction in the national park,” insists Stella Tchoukep. EarthInsight and Greenpeace go further, calling on the international community to stop funding conservation activities until the licenses are revoked.

A delicate economic choice

This situation highlights a A tricky dilemma : The economy of Congo-Brazzaville is heavily dependent on the extraction of fossil resources. “If the country depends on fossil extraction, things will be complicated. We will not be able to achieve our goals of protecting the climate, forests and community rights,” warns Stella Tchoukep. The authorities must therefore find a balance between economic development and environmental protection, which is a major challenge facing the country.