The Maiombe Forest in Cabinda: Conservation Efforts, 2000-2004
The Maiombe Forest (also spelt Mayombe or Mayumbe) forms the southwestern
part of the African tropical rainforest in the Congo Basin. It constitutes
the southwestern margin of distribution of a great variety of West-Central
African flora and fauna, including two species of the great apes - chimpanzees
(Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla
gorilla). Despite its importance in terms of biodiversity, in the
local, national, regional and global contexts, it enjoys very little protection.
Following decades of still unresolved political and economic instability,
and as a result of high human population densities, the Maiombe Forest
suffers from a high rate of degradation, mainly through heavy logging
and poaching, for subsistence as well as commercial use.
Nearly four decades of armed conflict in Angola have resulted in severe
environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Since the peace agreement
was signed in April 2002, Cabinda has remained the only province in Angola
which is still subject to armed conflict. While biodiversity conservation
may be considered as low priority during times of war, ensuring the long-term
survival and welfare of resident communities as well as national and regional
economic sustainability and stability requires the protection of natural
resources and biodiversity.
Biodiversity conservation efforts in the Maiombe Forest were initiated
in October 2000 with a public awareness campaign and a consultation process
with the resident communities in the forest. The key to the protection
of the forest and its biodiversity lies in a strong commitment by the
Government and the active participation of the resident communities, accompanied
by substantial international support. In particular, the importance of
developing alternative livelihood sources to the non-sustainable consumption
of flora and fauna is being addressed. Cooperation between the countries
that share the Maiombe Forest (Angola, Congo Republic, Democratic Republic
of the Congo and Gabon) within the framework of a transfrontier conservation
approach may be essential.
Biodiversity
The Maiombe Forest, a part of the Guineo-Congolian biome, covers around
2,000 km² in the internal, mountainous northeastern part of the Cabinda
enclave. It is a multi-storied closed, dense forest. Most of the area
has been utilized during the last century and is, therefore, comprised
of various phases of succession of secondary forest, up to the climax
primary forest, in small remnant patches.
Photo: Tamar Ron
There is a wide faunal biodiversity and the forest is home for species
of outstanding universal interest, such as chimpanzee and lowland gorilla.
The Maiombe Forest in Cabinda is the southwestern margin of the distribution
of both species in Central Africa.
Most of the existing information is historical, and summarized in particular
in Brian Huntley's reports from the early 1970s. Among other mammal species
there are the forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), the forest
buffalo (Syncerus nanus [= S. caffer nanus]), moustached
guenon (Cercopithecus cephus), red-tailed white-nosed guenon (C.
ascanius), Bosman's potto (Perodicticus potto) and golden potto
(Arctocebus aureus), several species of bushbabies (Galago alleni,
Euoticus elegantulus, Galagoides demidoff), several small
forest duiker species (Cephalophus sylvicultor, C. dorsalis,
C. nigrifrons, Philantomba monticola), water chevrotain
(Hyemoschus aquaticus), sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei gratus),
bush pig (Potamochoerus porcus) and forest hog (Hylochoerus
meinertzhageni), several genet species (Genetta spp.), two-spotted
palm civet (Nandinia binotata), leopard (Panthera pardus),
giant pangolin (Manis gigantea) and tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis),
flying squirrels (Anomalurus derbianus, Anomalurus beecrofti),
and a variety of squirrels, rodents, and bats. The African manatee (Trichechus
senegalensis) is found in the Congo River.
The gray parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are of special interest,
and there is a variety of at least 95 bird species, including eagles,
owls, hornbills, sunbirds, bulbuls, weavers, small parrots, the great
crested laurie (Corynthus cristata), and others, some of which
are listed in the IUCN Red Data Book as threatened, but many are
insufficiently known.
Information on the status of species in the Maiombe Forest, especially
recent information, is very scarce, and there is an obvious need to study
the biological diversity in the forest. During 2000-2004, in several field
visits, the following species were observed by the project team: elephants,
gorillas, chimpanzees, red-tailed white-nosed guenons, moustached guenons,
blue duiker, water chevrotain, cane rat, gray parrots, crocodile. Spoor
of chimpanzees, gorillas, guenons, elephants and forest buffalo is wide-spread.
Spoor of other species recorded includes leopard (rare), genets, civets,
duikers, water chevrotain, bushpig, porcupine, cane rat and squirrels.
In October 2000, we saw a family group of 6 gorillas in the Maiombe Forest
in Cabinda - it was the first published record in close to two decades,
indicating that they (and other endangered species) have survived there,
although, of course, this was common knowledge to the resident communities.
In all our one-day excursions during 2000-2004 - first only in one limited
area in the center-north of Cabinda, but in 2003-2004 also in several
other areas from the southwest of the Maiombe Forest to the northeast
- we recorded gorilla spoor, so we can assume that the species is well
distributed all over the Maiombe Forest in Cabinda, as confirmed by the
resident communities. There is no value in giving the specific locations
of these sightings, since it will reflect mostly the areas of allowed
access rather than gorilla distribution, while the areas where access
is restricted are, in fact, much more likely to serve as "safe haven"
for this and other species. There is currently no information or even
estimations of gorilla population sizes. A more thorough survey will be
done when security conditions allow it.
Human Population
Most of the residents in the forest area rely mainly on subsistence cultivation
of peanuts, bananas and cassava, small-scale husbandry, hunting and participation
in logging operations. Following decades of armed conflict, the resident
communities suffer from severe poverty, lack of employment opportunities,
lack of commercial networks, lack of substantial infra-structure and access
to basic services and commodities. The immediate, as well as long-term,
needs of the local communities residing in the forest must be addressed
as a high priority, within the objectives and framework of the conservation
initiative.
Threats
The Maiombe Forest's resources are heavily utilized, and it suffers from
severe degradation caused by decades of legal and illegal exploitation
- logging for agriculture, development and timber, and poaching for subsistence
as well as commercial trade. The main species hunted for bushmeat are
duikers, water chevrotain, porcupines, bushpig and forest hog, buffalos,
civets, genets, pangolins, guenons, cane rats, game birds, snakes, and
freshwater fish. Many of these species, as well as the two great apes,
are also smuggled as bushmeat across the borders, although the consumption
of apes is not traditional in Cabinda. Elephants may be hunted sporadically
for ivory, as well as because of crop raiding, but there are no reports
on massive hunting of elephants.
Infant chimpanzees and gorillas, guenons, and especially gray parrots,
as well as several other species, are hunted for the commercial pet trade.
Apes are hunted by the local population, invaders from both the Congo
Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the armed forces.
It is illegal, but law enforcement is very weak. There is a proposal (pending
on substantial funding) to establish a wildlife sanctuary for the rehabilitation
of captured chimpanzees, gorillas and other orphaned wildlife, to facilitate
the enforcement, education and awareness.
The following reasons for poaching were indicated by resident communities
and by the armed forces in the forest: poverty, lack of alternative livelihoods,
youth with no access to education and employment, loss of respect for
old traditions, absence of commercial network (difficulties in selling
agricultural produce), the easy income from bushmeat and wildlife trade,
soliciting by national and international networks of illegal traders,
lack of effective law enforcement and control mechanisms, human-wildlife
conflict (mainly with elephants, forest buffalo, apes, cane rats, porcupine,
bush pig and duikers), hungry soldiers (lack of meat), fear of wild animals
(in particular apes, elephants, buffalo, snakes), and patrolling mistakes.
Recent increase in legal and illegal logging activities in various parts
of the forest, including inside the forest reserve, is apparently the
result mainly of the improved security conditions, while enforcement/control
mechanisms were not strengthened yet. This situation, in turn, causes
increased human-wildlife conflict, as well as increased poaching.
Conservation Activities
The only designated protected area in Cabinda is the Cacongo Forest Reserve,
declared in 1930. A second forest reserve (Alto Maiombe), declared at
the same time, was cancelled in 1963. A proposal to establish a strict
nature reserve over at least 45,000 ha (Huntley, B. J., 1973a: Proposals
for the Creation of a Strict Nature Reserves in the Maiombe Forest of
Cabinda. Serviços de Veterinaria, Luanda, Angola) has not been
implemented to date.
Efforts towards biodiversity conservation in the Maiombe Forest in Cabinda
were initiated, on a shoe-string budget, in October 2000, led by the Provincial
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, together with the
provincial environmental NGO, Gremio ABC, in coordination with the Ministry
of Fisheries and Environment, with an international biodiversity consultant
and further support provided by UNDP and NORAD. Oil companies (the CABGOC
Association) and private donors supported specific project activities.
The project is being developed through on-going consultation and collaboration
with resident communities, in particular the traditional leadership, and
with other stakeholders. All these activities are supported by the Provincial
Government of Cabinda, several Municipal and Communal Administrations,
the armed forces, church leaders, and the traditional authorities of the
resident communities.
Objectives are the conservation and study of the Maiombe Forest in Cabinda
and its flora and fauna, with focus on apes (as part of the international
efforts to protect these species), the active participation of the resident
communities in the conservation of the forest and increased awareness
on the local, national and regional levels, sustainable improvement of
the socio-economic conditions of local communities through participation
in the project, and regional cooperation for the joint protection of the
Maiombe Forest, between the four countries that share it.
Awareness campaigns and a process of consultation with the resident communities
were initiated in October 2000, as well as awareness activities addressed
to decision-makers and officials at the national level and Provincial
Government, local administration teams, church leaders and traditional
leadership. The consultation process with communities and traditional
leaders serves to guide the planning of further activities. During November
2003 and September 2004, an extensive awareness campaign for the armed
forces and communities was implemented throughout the forest.
Reduction in poaching and non-sustainable utilization of biodiversity
must be linked with support to the communities in developing sustainable
alternative livelihoods. This aspect has been identified as one of the
basic components of the initiative for the protection of biodiversity
in Cabinda. In discussions with resident communities, the local authorities,
the Provincial Government, Gremio ABC, and the Provincial biodiversity
project team, several optional alternatives have been identified.
The "alternative livelihoods to hunting" pilot sub-project was
launched on 10 June 2004, within the "CABGOC Protocol" framework,
with the first delivery of 26 goats and sheep to families in Sinde, the
Municipality of Buco-Zau. The livestock was provided to families who have
constructed a fenced area, guided by a technical team consisting of a
zoo-technician and a veterinarian, who are following the project. The
livestock delivered is of the same breeds that have been kept for decades
by communities in the forest. The beneficiary communities commit themselves
to reduce hunting, in particular of endangered species. The traditional
authorities of these communities are subcontracted to follow-up and report.
The plan includes the future distribution of a portion of the livestock
offspring to other communities, as well as participation of the beneficiary
communities in the IDF (Instituto de Desenvolvimento Florestal)
programme of cultivation of tree species for the future rehabilitation
of the forest after logging. To assure sustainability, the Provincial
Department will also initiate its own breeding program of livestock for
future delivery to communities.
The great potential of the Maiombe Forest for tourism is recognized as
a major alternative livelihood in the future, which could significantly
improve the socio-economic status of the forest residents. The realization
of this potential may become feasible only after the termination of the
war and the establishment of suitable conditions and infrastructure. Other
alternatives must be developed until then, so as to allow the protection
of wildlife.
The realization of a detailed study will depend on improved security conditions,
as well as on availability of adequate financial resources. A long-term
comprehensive study of the forest and its biodiversity should include
the following: systematic digitized recording and mapping of all existing
historical and current information; a preliminary aerial and ground survey
of the forest, combined with interviewing of resident hunters, to evaluate
current flora and fauna composition and status, as well as threats; use
of satellite images and aerial photos for analysis of habitat types and
status; census of specific species in the different parts of the forest;
social study of the resident communities - population size, distribution,
income sources, utilization of the forest and its species, hunting trends,
human-wildlife conflict, and other aspects; collecting information on
trade in Maiombe Forest species within the province, across the borders,
and in the rest of the country, as well as available information on export;
and development of long-term monitoring programs. Finally, such a program
should encourage long-term national and international research projects
on the forest and its flora and fauna. A detailed management and conservation
programme should then be developed, based on study results.
Plans for the establishment and training of a provincial community-based
law-enforcement unit are being developed by the IDF as highest priority
for urgent funding by the Provincial Government. In order to increase
the enforcement capacity, alliances are being established between the
provincial IDF and the armed forces as well as with traditional authorities,
legal loggers, the customs authorities, and NGOs.
To assure the sustainable study, conservation, and management of the Maiombe
Forest, there is an urgent need to increase the human resources capacity
in the province to undertake all the relevant tasks. A comprehensive training
programme should be developed and supported.
The Maiombe Forest Transfrontier Conservation Initiative. The concept
of developing the conservation of the Maiombe Forest within the framework
of a transfrontier conservation initiative (TFCA) was first raised by
the traditional leadership of the resident communities of Buco-Zau and
Inhuca in November 2000. Discussing the constraints related to the conservation
of the forest within the Cabinda enclave, they indicated that since the
forest in Angola is less degraded than in the neighbouring countries,
its natural resources are often illegally harvested by residents of these
countries. Protection of the Maiombe Forest therefore requires cooperation
among all the countries that share it.
original map by the author
This concept was then presented to the Government, the Provincial Government
and other stakeholders in Angola and accepted enthusiastically. It was
also discussed with resident communities and Government officials in a
UNDP mission to Congo-Brazzaville in April 2002, with a positive response.
The traditional leadership and resident communities in both countries
expressed their keen interest to take active part in developing this initiative,
with a focus on exploring the options to develop in the long-term a well
managed community-based joint eco-tourism program.
Security conditions have recently improved and the Provincial Government
of Cabinda is interested in developing a full project for the study and
conservation of the Maiombe Forest, with focus on apes, in cooperation
with the neighbouring countries. If security conditions allow, and pending
on availability of financial support, we hope to be able to collect more
data, and develop a comprehensive conservation program. We will need all
possible help.
Tamar Ron
Dr. Tamar Ron, primatologist, has about 25 years of experience, study and education work related to biodiversity conservation, animal behaviour, and captive care of wildlife. During 1992-2000 she was a wildlife ecologist for the Nature Reserves Authority of Israel, during 2000-2004 UNDP Biodiversity Chief Technical Adviser to the Government of Angola. The Provincial Government of Cabinda requested her to continue help developing the Maiombe Forest project as a consultant.