Social Perceptions of Forest Ecosystem Services in the Democratic Republic of Congo

• Main Authors: Baruka, G. (Author), Batumike, R. (Author), Bulonvu, F. (Author), Burgess, N.D (Author), Cuni-Sanchez, A. (Author), Imani, G. (Author), Klein, J.A (Author), Marchant, R. (Author)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 2019
• Subjects: accessibility; Albertine Rift; biodiversity; Democratic Republic Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo; ecosystem service; Ecosystem services; Farmers; farmers attitude; forest ecosystem; forest management; Forest management; forest resource; Forest use; hunter-gatherer; Hunter-gatherers; livelihood; microclimate; montane forest; Montane forests; perception; Place attachment; Socio-cultural assessment; strategic approach; trade-off
• Online Access: View Fulltext in Publisher

 The forests of the Albertine Rift are known for their high biodiversity and the important ecosystem services they provide to millions of inhabitants. However, their conservation and the maintenance of ecosystem service delivery is a challenge, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our research investigates how livelihood strategy and ethnicity affects local perceptions of forest ecosystem services. We collected data through 25 focus-group discussions in villages from distinct ethnic groups, including farmers (Tembo, Shi, and Nyindu) and hunter-gatherers (Twa). Twa identify more food-provisioning services and rank bush meat and honey as the most important. They also show stronger place attachment to the forest than the farmers, who value other ecosystem services, but all rank microclimate regulation as the most important. Our findings help assess ecosystem services trade-offs, highlight the important impacts of restricted access to forests resources for Twa, and point to the need for developing alternative livelihood strategies for these communities. © 2019, The Author(s).