Faced with a culture of deforestation deeply rooted in the minds of the inhabitants of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the precariousness that affects them, a new generation of young people are mobilizing to face this alarming situation. Aware of the harmful consequences of climate change on our planet, they are working to preserve precious forest resources and protect the region’s vital ecosystem.
In the heart of Africa lies a natural treasure of capital importance: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This vast country is full of invaluable natural resources, one of the most emblematic gems of which is its vast expanse of equatorial forest. Considered the second largest forest reserve in the world, after the Amazon rainforest, the DRC plays a crucial role as a vital lung for our planet, our common home.
The worrying consequences of deforestation in the DRC
Unfortunately, the precariousness of the daily life of the Congolese inevitably pushes them to resort to massive deforestation. The main reason being the felling of trees to produce charcoal, which is widely used as a source of fuel for cooking food. This practice is exacerbated by the lack of access to electricity in many villages and towns across Lumumba country.
This grim reality should be of concern to all human beings concerned about the future of our planet. Indeed, no one is unaware of the serious consequences of deforestation which represent a major danger for the whole planet. The changes observed in recent decades, linked to global warming, bear witness to the upheavals we are facing.
Young people set up an alternative
Based on this logic, a group of committed young people in Goma is setting up an innovative system to fight against this scourge that afflicts Congolese society: the production of ecological charcoal, known as “MAKALATASI”. This process is based on the use of clay soil, recycled paper collected from schools in the city of Goma as well as from sports betting counters, mixed with water. This initiative aims to be a catalyst in the fight against deforestation, while contributing to the creation of a healthy environment for the city.
However, production remains limited due to the lack of resources necessary to increase productivity and make these ecological coals accessible to all inhabitants, or even export them to other provinces of the country. Despite this constraint, the young activists do not lose heart and continue to produce as much as they can with the means at their disposal. It should be emphasized that in a country where the government rarely, if at all, supports local initiatives, these young people are fending for themselves.
This desire to take concrete measures to protect the environment and fight against deforestation should serve as an inspiration to other communities and encourage the authorities to further support local initiatives aimed at preserving the country’s natural resources. Raising awareness also remains a priority, because informing the population about the harmful effects of deforestation is essential to changing mentalities and encouraging collective action in favor of the preservation of the environment.
Awareness is needed
I believe that each of us has the responsibility to contribute according to our means to the preservation of our planet, because the world as we know it is threatened with extinction if we do not act to preserve our forests from deforestation. A moving and questioning legend, reported by Pierre Rabhi in his book “La Part du Colibri”, reminds us of the importance of our individual commitment.
According to this legend, during a huge forest fire, all the terrified animals watched the disaster helplessly. Only the little hummingbird was busy fetching a few drops of water in its beak to throw them on the fire. Challenged by his seemingly insignificant actions, the armadillo asked him if he was crazy to believe that a few drops of water could extinguish the fire. The hummingbird replied, “I know that, but I’m doing my part. This caption reminds us of our responsibility to the world, because we are not totally helpless if we decide to act.
It is essential to ask the following question, a question that everyone should ask themselves: what kind of world do we want to bequeath to our children and to future generations? It is imperative to act now, because we must not forget that “too late often comes too soon”, as the law of prudence reminds us. The urgency to act is palpable, and every gesture counts to preserve our environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Faced with a culture of deforestation deeply rooted in the minds of the inhabitants of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the precariousness that affects them, a new generation of young people are mobilizing to face this alarming situation. Aware of the harmful consequences of climate change on our planet, they are working to preserve precious forest resources and protect the region’s vital ecosystem.