The Sangha and Likouala Forest: Between Carbon Credits and Illegal Gold Mining

Elodie Toto, a seasoned multimedia journalist and Central Africa staff writer for Mongabay-Africa, embarks on an investigative journey to uncover the realities behind carbon credit initiatives in the Republic of Congo (RoC).

Amid the lush rainforests of Likouala and Sangha, where REDD+ projects promise conservation and carbon offsetting, Toto delves into the complexities of government oversight and international certification.

Highlighting the recent boost from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Fund (FCPF) to RoC's carbon credit market, Toto scrutinizes allegations of unchecked deforestation and rampant illegal gold mining, as raised by Congolese human rights organization OCDH. Through meticulous financial tracing and on-the-ground interviews with miners, officials, and local communities, Toto aims to assess the efficacy of REDD+ projects and to ensure transparency in fund allocation.

With a focus on community consultation, governance, and carbon credit verification, this investigative series seeks to unveil the truth behind conservation efforts in Central Africa and shed light on the challenges and opportunities for sustainable environmental practices.