History, Development, and Politics of Protected Areas in the Congo Basin Countries

Protected areas in the Congo Basin, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Lopé-Okanda, have been critical biodiversity refuges despite historical abuses tied to colonial-era resource management. While pre-colonial conservation practices such as taboos and seasonal hunting restrictions existed, modern protected areas emerged under centralized models that often violated human rights but preserved biodiversity amid rising demographic pressures. Recent shifts toward IUCN Category VI reserves and community-led conservation models aim to balance biodiversity protection with human development needs, addressing past injustices while safeguarding the region's ecological integrity.

Inogwabini, B.-I., Angoué, C. A., Maisels, F., & White, L. J. T. (2026). History, Development, and Politics of Protected Areas in the Congo Basin Countries. Resilience and Sustainability in the Congo Basin, 513–535. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-5512-2_19