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Places in News: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Context:
Local and international conservation groups are voicing strong opposition to the issuance of an oil and gas exploration permit for the Conkouati block in the Republic of Congo.
- The permit was granted to China Oil Natural Gas Overseas Holding United, a Chinese fossil fuel company
Conkouati-Douli National Park
- Location: In the southwest of the Republic of Congo, on the border with Gabon.
- Geographical Features: Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and intersected by a river.
- Establishment: Originally a wildlife reserve (Conkouati Wildlife Reserve) established in 1980, upgraded to a national park in 1999.
- Conservation Status: Recognised as a Ramsar Site and listed on the indicative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Habitat: Includes unique coastal, marine, and forest habitats, forming a contiguous area with Gabon’s Mayumba National Park totalling 600,000 hectares.
- Wildlife:
- Forest – elephants, buffalo, leopards, chimpanzees (7% of global population), sitatungas.
- Lagoon – hippos, manatees, nesting leatherback turtles.
- Marine – dolphins, humpback whales (annual migration with breaching).
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Hosts a chimpanzee sanctuary operated by the NGO HELP CONGO.
About Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Location: Central Africa, landlocked except for a small Atlantic coast.
- Form of Government: Republic.
- Size: Second-largest country in Africa (after Algeria).
- Capital: Kinshasa (largest city in Central Africa).
- Official Languages: French.
- The country also recognises four national languages: Kikongo (Kituba), Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.
- Geography: The country borders 9 countries which include Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Major Mountain Ranges: Mount Stanley (highest mountain 5,109 meters), Mount Emin, Karisimbi, Mikeno etc.
- Major Rivers: Congo River, Lomami River, Aruwimi River etc.
- Climate: In the equatorial climate zone, located near the Equator, temperatures are high (annual average for Yangambi 24.6°C), humidity is high and rains fall throughout the year averaging between 1,600 mm and 2,000 mm annually.
- Natural Resources: Incredibly rich in minerals (diamonds, cobalt, copper), vast forests, and high hydropower potential.