deforestationlatest news & developments
There are far more African forest elephants than conservationists previously thought — not because the critically endangered species is recovering, but because scientists are now able to count them more accurately.

DNA surveys reveal far more African forest elephants than previously known

A new IUCN report shows African forest elephants are more numerous than previously believed, not due to recovery, but thanks to groundbreaking DNA-based surveys that have transformed how the elusive species is counted

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Countries are ‘still in the climate fight’, the United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said

COP30: Nations chose unity, science and economic common sense amid ‘stormy political waters’

Countries are ‘still in the climate fight’, the United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said

  • Sheree Bega
5 min read
Uncertainty still surrounds the Kariba REDD+ forest conservation project, which provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for poor communities in northern Zimbabwe. (Substack)

Fate of Zimbabwe’s Kariba REDD+ forest conservation project hangs in the balance

Kariba REDD+ has been prevented from trading after allegations of mismanagement and corruption

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
A man shows a branch of a coffee tree at the coffee cultivation field in Mbale, Uganda. While countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya stand out with their coffee production in eastern Africa, the contribution of Ugandan coffee, known as “natural coffee”, to the country’s economy has been increasing in recent years. (Photo by Gokhan Kavak/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Uganda’s coffee amendment Bill brews public distrust in the government

Ugandans don’t trust the National Resistance Movement government with our coffee, forest reserves, welfare, natural resources and taxes even when it has a social contract with the citizens

  • Eyaaz
5 min read
Mining near the community forest of Bamasoba situated in North-Kivu. Photo: Jonas Kiriko
Video

Cobalt crush undermines future of DRC’s community forests

A historic UN deal to restore degraded forest ecosystems in southeastern DRC is being torn apart by mining companies

8 min read
National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) forest rangers look on at deforestation and illegal gold mining pits inside the Kambui forest reserve outside Kenema on June 14, 2024. (Photo by JOHN WESSELS / AFP)

Sierra Leone rangers fight uphill battle against deforestation

With just 62 wardens to cover some 14,000 hectares, it’s an arduous game of cat and mouse

  • Des Erasmus
4 min read
Burning briquettes: Brenda Sibanda, a firewood and charcoal vendor, is one of many local residents who supply to households across Bulawayo. Photo: Nqobile Tshili
Video

The dark light: Zimbabwe’s energy nightmare

Power shortages across the country are fuelling deforestation through the illegal charcoal trade

  • Eyaaz
7 min read