The city of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing a significant decline in its green spaces and tree cover. The rapid expansion of the city has led to the destruction of many trees and green areas, with concrete and construction projects taking over. According to Jacques Mfumu Nzanza, a chronicler of the city, this urban pressure is threatening the city's vegetal identity. The city's green spaces, including forests, botanical gardens, and parks, are under threat.
Historically, Kinshasa had many green spaces and trees, including the Boulevard du 30 juin, Limete, and the Baie de Ngaliema. However, many of these trees have been cut down, and their habitats destroyed. The most represented tree species was the acacia, along with many other exotic species. The city's environmental services, responsible for protecting nature and landscapes, seem to be ineffective in preventing the destruction of these green spaces. The exact number of trees remaining in Kinshasa is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the millions, which is still insufficient for a city of over 20 million inhabitants.
In the past, the city's regulations prohibited the cutting down of trees without prior authorization from the relevant services. However, this regulation has not been enforced effectively. Under the rule of Mobutu, the president created several protected areas, including the "Ceinture Verte Présidentielle", the "Parc Présidentiel du Mont Ngaliema", and the "Parc Présidentiel de la N'Sele". These areas were designed to promote conservation and protect the city's natural heritage.
The city's history of green spaces dates back to the colonial era. Ferdinand de Boeck, a Belgian colonizer, was one of the first to promote green spaces in Kinshasa. He designed several parks and gardens, including the Jardin Botanique and the Zoo. The Zoo, which was established in 1938, was a popular attraction, featuring a variety of animals, including bears, lions, and chimpanzees. The Jardin Botanique and the Zoo remain important ecological assets, but they require restoration.
Several other green spaces in Kinshasa have been destroyed or degraded over the years. The "Ceinture Verte", a network of green spaces and agricultural areas, has been invaded by construction projects. The Bosquet du Palais du Peuple, a group of acacias, limba, and eucalyptus trees, has been destroyed. The trees along the Boulevard Lumumba and the Avenue Colonel Mondjiba have been cut down, and the promise to replant them has not been fulfilled.
Despite the challenges, some green spaces in Kinshasa remain intact. The Plateau de l'Université de Kinshasa, for example, is home to many acacias and other species that have been protected by the construction of a perimeter wall. The forêt-galerie de la rivière Ngombesi, a gallery forest along the Ngombesi River, is another example of a green space that has been preserved. The Lac de Ma-Vallée, a lake created in 1958, is also an important ecological asset.
Efforts are needed to protect and restore Kinshasa's green spaces and trees. The city's inhabitants, scientists, and environmentalists are calling for the restoration of the Jardin Botanique and the Zoo, as well as the protection of other green spaces. The Baobab tree, a symbol of the city's history and culture, is also under threat and requires protection. Three Baobabs have been identified in different parts of the city, and their preservation is crucial for the city's ecological and cultural heritage.
Key points
- The destruction of green spaces and trees in Kinshasa is threatening the city's ecological identity and its ability to provide a healthy environment for its inhabitants.
- The city's environmental services need to be strengthened to effectively protect and preserve green spaces and trees.
- Restoration efforts are needed to revive degraded green spaces and promote sustainable urban planning in Kinshasa.
