The destruction of the Congo Basin directly affects over 75 million people, including indigenous communities like the Baka, Aka, and Mbuti, who depend on the forest for food, medicine, and shelter. As deforestation and mining expand, they face forced displacement, loss of culture, and worsening poverty. Wildlife, including gorillas, elephants, and bonobos, is also suffering, with species pushed closer to extinction. The damage extends beyond Africa—scientists warn that deforestation in the Congo Basin accelerates climate change, affecting weather patterns and increasing natural disasters worldwide.

If deforestation continues unchecked, the Congo Basin could lose 70% of its forests by 2100 (World Resources Institute). This would mean irreversible biodiversity loss, a rise in global CO₂ levels, and worsening droughts and floods. Indigenous communities would be left landless, without access to traditional ways of life. However, by stopping illegal logging, banning destructive mining, and enforcing land rights, we can protect millions of lives, preserve critical ecosystems, and combat climate change. Sustainable conservation efforts have already proven successful in parts of the Amazon and Southeast Asia—we can do the same for the Congo Basin.

The Congo Basin is disappearing faster than ever, with over 600,000 hectares of forest lost in 2022 alone. Governments are making new deals for oil exploration, putting even protected areas like Virunga National Park at risk. Every moment we delay, more forests are destroyed, more communities are displaced, and more species vanish. Immediate action is crucial—we must pressure governments, corporations, and international organizations to act now before it’s too late. The Congo Basin is one of Earth’s last great rainforests. If we don’t protect it now, we may never get the chance again.

Sign now to demand urgent action to save the Congo Basin!