INTRODUCTION

In the district of Kolondiéba (see map), human pressure is an enormous threat to environmental resources. This problem is intensifying with population growth and the lack of socio-economic and cultural development projects. It is made worse by the development of road communication infrastructures with the major towns. This article focuses on the exploitation of trees for charcoal production.

Map 1: Location of the Kolondièba district

ISSUES AND MOTIVATION 

The exploitation of trees for charcoal is a huge loss for biodiversity. However, it is the main activity of the communities in the vicinity of Kolondièba. In this article, we present the causes, actors and consequences of this scourge. 

METHODOLOGY 

The methodology adopted for this research combined surveys and field observation. The interviews were informal and took place with one or more people. Observation was carried out in the bush on the traces of felled trees and ovens. The observation of thousands of bags of charcoal by the side of National Road No. 27 gave us an idea of the generalisation of the practice in the district, without carrying out a systematic study. 

RESULTS

The results of this study show that coal processing plays an important role in economic activities. In this section, we discuss

CAUSES OF CHARCOAL REDUCTION 

Charcoal reduction generally meets the need for food preparation. It is carried out by communities for economic reasons. It is work that rewards the physical effort of the worker immediately. 

Ignorance and non-compliance with the regulatory framework also encourage the abusive cutting of trees. According to Lassina KONATE, to be protected from the control of the Water and Forests Service, all you need is a monthly permit. 

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN COAL MINING

The main players in charcoal mining in the district of Kolondiéba are the communities. They own the land and many of the charcoal kilns found in the bush. Coal buyers have a major responsibility. Production depends on orders. And these days, a lot of coal is ordered for cooking, making tea, laundering clothes and so on. In the Fatou, Kountio, Tié and Woropana areas, there is a coal marketing network.     

THE CONSEQUENCES OF EXPLOITING NATURE

The abusive exploitation of trees destroys the flora and negatively influences climatic conditions. In the short and medium term, it causes disease, lack of plant sustenance for medical care, architecture, the manufacture of tools, instruments (musical, artistic, etc.), wildlife migration and social conflict. If nothing is done, in ten years’ time we will be witnessing the desertification of the area.  

CONCLUSION 

This work deals with the general aspects of coal mining in the vicinity of Kolondièba. It provides food for thought for the adoption of appropriate environmental protection policies. This should include the creation of economic projects and the implementation of awareness-raising projects.