For eight years a Chinese mining company has been vastly expanding inside an endangered World Heritage Site, accused by locals and conservationists of decimating the environment. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve became a protected site in 1996, due to its unique biodiversity and large number of threatened species.
For eight years a Chinese mining company has been vastly expanding inside an endangered World Heritage Site, accused by locals and conservationists of decimating the environment.In this undated photo, an okapi stands in a protected area as part of a captive breeding program in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Congo. Wendo Olengama, a Pygmy chief, sits in his village in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in Congo, Sept. 22, 2024.
Issa Aboubacar, a spokesperson for the Chinese company, Kimia Mining Investment, said the group is operating legally. It recently renewed its permits until 2048, according to government records.A mystery illness has killed dozens of people in Congo.
Joel Masselink, a geographer specializing in satellite imagery, who previously worked on conservation projects in the forest, said the mining cadastral — the agency responsible for allocating mineral licenses — is using a version of the reserve’s maps in which the area’s been shrunk by nearly a third. This has allowed it to award and renew exploration and extraction concessions, he said.
Five people who had worked inside Kimia’s mines, none of whom wanted to be named for fear of reprisal, said when the Chinese finished in one area, they leave exposed, toxic water sources. Sometimes people would fall into uncovered pits and when it rains, water seeps into the soil.
China Government Animals Forests General News Africa China Issa Aboubacar Environmental Conservation World News Joel Masselink Climate And Environment Emma Stokes Biodiversity Politics Public Health World News
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chinese gold mining threatens a protected UN heritage site in CongoFor eight years a Chinese mining company has been vastly expanding inside an endangered World Heritage Site, accused by locals and conservationists of decimating the environment. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve became a protected site in 1996, due to its unique biodiversity and large number of threatened species.
Read more »
MiYa Chinese Brings Authentic Chinese Dishes to East DallasA definite upgrade from the Pei Wei that was there.
Read more »
5 takeaways from Bills' up-and-down win over Colts in Week 10Here are five takeaways from the Buffalo Bills' Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Read more »
Celtics-Bucks: 3 Biggest Takeaways as Boston Grabs Comeback WinThree takeaways from the Boston Celtics victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Read more »
3 takeaways from Auburn men’s basketball’s 74-69 win over Houston3 takeaways from Auburn men’s basketball’s 74-69 win over Houston
Read more »
College football takeaways: Storylines and performances to know from Week 14Our college football experts break down key takeaways from Week 14.
Read more »