Environmental
DR Congo's tropical forests under threat: Illegal logging in UNESCO World Heritage site
Rising illegal logging in tropical forests in eastern DR Congo linked to conflict zones.
Environmentalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo report that tropical forests in areas taken over by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seen a surge in illegal logging. This region includes a UNESCO World Heritage site and supports numerous endangered species. UN investigators estimate that fighters collect around $2 million annually from charcoal traders at checkpoints. The conflict has displaced millions, increasing pressure on forest resources and further endangering the ecosystem.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UNESCO World Heritage site area
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 09:59 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 09:59 UTC
- Connected threats
-
- Not Available