Transnational Ecological Monitoring of the Sangha Basin: Natural Science Perspectives

This paper concerns monitoring the contiguous tropical forest biome that spans six central African countries (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo). The author offers a general overview of biological characteristics of central African forests, introducing a starting point from which to analyze regional approaches to biological monitoring, conservation, and sustainable development. He suggests that, in order for management of natural systems to be effective in the region, it is vital to take into consideration the interests of local communities who live in this diverse and dynamic central African forest. Because of its stable meteorological conditions throughout the year, the world’s most diverse natural ecosystems are located within the tropical region. I refer primarily to that strip of moist tropical forest extending along the equator from the Americas through Africa to Asia. Despite its relatively narrow breadth, this global tropical forest ecosystem is believed to host 50-60% of plant and animal species living on earth. Unfortunately, this tropical forest ecosystem has been seriously damaged and fragmented throughout its range. The world’s second largest contiguous bloc is found in Africa, and covers approximately 2.8 million km stretching from the Gulf of Guinea through the low-lying interior of the African continent to the mountains of the Rift Valley. Contained within its rough biogeographic boundaries are southern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic (CAR), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The six African countries that share this tropical forest biome face similar problems and have the potential, together, to achieve unique solutions. By coordinating their efforts, these countries could establish regional priorities and manage this large forest reserve in a sustainable manner. For many years, African government agencies and other international organizations interested in the conservation of biodiversity in the region have considered the delineation of protected areas to be the most effective means for protecting natural resources. The establishment of protected areas seems the only way to save some of the most fragile and threatened ecosystems (mountain forest ecosystems, for example) in the central African region. However, recent experience throughout the Congo River basin has demonstrated that conservation, when undertaken as isolated, uncoordinated projects, has serious limitations. The six African countries that share this tropical forest biome face similar problems and have the potential, together, to achieve unique solutions. By coordinating their efforts, these countries could establish regional priorities and manage this large forest reserve in a sustainable manner.