Mongabay · Klima & Natur

Conservation Rumors Highlight Climate Project Concerns in Congo Basin

Rumors circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo suggest local communities are wary of conservation projects, questioning their purpose and benefits.

A rumor in 2020 claimed a new scientific tower in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve was extracting and selling the rainforest's oxygen to Europe. This was later linked to acacia tree planting initiatives, which some believed were meant to produce more oxygen for the tower.

In May 2024, a variation of the rumor emerged, accusing the tower of causing extreme heat by removing oxygen. The DRC's environment minister attributed these claims to ignorance but acknowledged the need to address community concerns.

The CongoFlux tower actually measures greenhouse gas exchanges to understand the Congo Basin's climate regulation role, not to extract oxygen. Correcting the science alone is insufficient to address the underlying issues.

Research indicates these rumors are a form of local contestation of conservation efforts and a way to assert claims about who should benefit from such projects. The rumors are also shaped by broader community dynamics and perceptions.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.