The **Okapi Wildlife Reserve**, a [site declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site](https://noticiasambientales.com/compromiso-ambiental/la-unesco-inscribe-13-nuevos-lugares-como-patrimonio-de-la-humanidad/) located in the jungle of the Ituri province, in eastern **Congo**, is facing serious threats due to the **expansion of gold mining** led by the Chinese company Kimia Mining Investment.
This development is taking place within the boundaries of the reserve, which hosts a **unique biodiversity**, endangered species, and plays a key role as a **carbon sink**.
## Impact of gold mining in the Congo jungle
The reserve, spanning over 13,000 square kilometers, was declared a protected site in 1996. However, the original boundaries of the reserve have been altered, allowing the **Chinese company** to operate in the area.
The reserve is part of the **Congo Basin forest**, the world’s second-largest, and is home to 15% of the planet’s okapi. Despite its status as a World Heritage Site, it faces a [growing threat from mining activities](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/el-papa-pide-justicia-ecologica-en-america-latina-por-el-impacto-de-la-mineria/).
Mining activities are degrading the reserve’s ecosystems, **contaminating rivers and soil**, destroying large forest areas, and contributing to the increase in **poaching**.
Since the start of operations in 2016, mining activities have significantly intensified. Former Kimia Mining employees reported the use of **mercury** to separate gold from the ore, contaminating the soil and **water sources**.
Local residents have seen their livelihoods deteriorate due to mining. Fishing and agriculture have been affected, and many have lost access to the resources that used to sustain their economy. The community faces the **loss of their livelihoods** and the deterioration of their natural resources.
## Legal conflicts and the need to conserve the Congo jungle
Mining is prohibited in **protected areas** under the Congo’s mining code, but Kimia Mining claims to operate legally. However, there are allegations of corruption and map alterations to benefit personal interests.
A government memorandum states that all **mining companies** in the reserve should cease their operations, but no timeline has been specified to implement this measure.
Protecting the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is essential to conserve a vital ecosystem that harbors **key species for marine biodiversity balance** and life on the planet. UNESCO has requested a report from the Congolese government by February 2024 to address the issue.
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