In a significant development at the ongoing United Nations COP28 climate summit, scientists have officially launched the Science Panel for the Congo Basin, a groundbreaking research coalition designed to address the historical lack of information about the Congo River basin and its rainforest, the second-largest in the world.
Endorsed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the panel aims to fill the knowledge gap by releasing a comprehensive report in 2025. This report is set to provide the most intricate scientific assessment to date on the Congo Basin, covering various aspects critical to its conservation and sustainable management.
Taking inspiration from the successful Science Panel for the Amazon, which issued a comprehensive report in 2021 summarizing the scientific consensus on the world's largest rainforest, the Congo report is expected to involve the collaboration of over 300 scientists. It will delve into key areas, including how the Congo regulates regional climate, human impacts on the forest ecosystem, and the utilization of scientific data to inform government policy.
The Congo Basin, a unique ecosystem supporting millions and playing a vital role in Earth's climate regulation, has suffered from limited scientific understanding. This critical issue was highlighted by Raphaël Tshimanga, co-chair of the panel and a water expert at the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Tshimanga stressed the urgent need for detailed knowledge, stating, "Our current knowledge of the functioning of the Congo Basin ecosystem is very, very limited." Last year, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, housing the majority of the forest, exhibited the second-highest rate of tree cover loss globally, following Brazil, according to Global Forest Watch. This loss contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating global warming, and results in the destruction of critical plant and animal habitats.
The launch of the Science Panel for the Congo Basin is a crucial step towards addressing these challenges, bringing together international expertise to enhance our understanding of this vital ecosystem. As the panel begins its work, anticipation is high for the groundbreaking insights and policy recommendations that will emerge, ultimately contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of the Congo Basin.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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