Protected Areas Under Threat from Mining in Congo Basin

Protected areas in the Congo Basin are facing pressure from mining activities, despite governments' conservation commitments. A recent analysis by Earth Insight found that oil and gas blocks overlap with 62 million hectares of protected areas, while mining concessions overlap with 43 million hectares. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of protection against industrial pressures. The WWF's 'Living Planet Report 2026' also highlights a continent-wide decline in wildlife populations, with an average 80% decline in monitored species between 1970 and 2022. The global community will meet at the biodiversity COP17 in Armenia to discuss the urgency of meeting the 30x30 target, which requires effective management, equitable governance, and respect for Indigenous peoples' and local communities' rights.