Forestry economics

Continuing on the same pattern as in the previous publication in the series, La Réserve de Conkouati, Congo : le secteur sud-est, the author has been coordinating activities of forests, wetlands and environmental impact assessment programmes around the Conkouati lagoon, which is of great interest to local Vili populations. This part of southern Congo has proved to be the richest in mammal populations and included a wide variety of ecosystems. A few trees and shrubs appear to be species new to science.

IUCN has undertaken the first in-depth biological inventory of the south-east part of this reserve. This study gives a socio-economic picture of the local population, the Vilis, the Loumbous and the Pigmees Ibongo. Information is provided on higher plants, mammals and birds encountered, and lists are given of local food and magico-medicinal plants used by the local population. The last chapter promotes guidelines in terms of legislation, forest uses, oil exploration impact, and the development of sustainable activities for the region.