Shifting agriculture remains the leading cause of deforestation, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices that can balance the needs of the population with environmental conservation. The impact of urbanization is also non-negligible, suggesting a need for better urban planning that incorporates green spaces and considers the ecological footprint of expanding cities.
The DRC's vast forested area, which spans over 199 million hectares, is a critical component of the global ecosystem, playing a significant role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. The ongoing loss of tree cover not only threatens these ecological functions but also poses risks to the livelihoods of local communities and the overall climate resilience of the region.
