Introduction

Commonly known as the Koutou forest, this communal heritage has suffered accelerated degradation in recent years. It is a victim of human activity and climate change. Some people are dividing it up to live in, while others are using it as arable land, all topped off by the destruction of shrubs and plants by herds of oxen. The situation is worrying the interim management authorities of the Moundou commune. 

Causes of the Degradation

Deforestation is a major factor in desertification worldwide. In Moundou, the capital of Logone Occidental province, the Koutou forest was created in colonial times and once served as a biodiversity conservation area. Today, there is nothing left of the forest to attract tourists, as the effects of climate change and human activity have taken their toll. The issue is becoming a cause for concern and is provoking widespread reaction.

The Local Authorities’ Concern about the Problem  

The local authorities, together with their partner Initiative-Développement, are mobilising and stepping up meetings and actions to alleviate the problem. For several months now, they have been reflecting on the strategies to be implemented to preserve this green space, which is in danger of disappearing. The executive intends to involve all development players in this fight. It emerged from the discussions that drastic measures will be taken in the coming days to thwart any action aimed at destroying this forest. “The disappearance of this forest worries us all, and we are ready to do our bit to restore it. This area plays an important role in conserving natural spaces and the micro-climate that we are neglecting. We need to think about the future generation, because in place of the trees, there will be a desert in the years to come if nothing is done”, declared Sylvaine Oudaine, Country Director of Initiative-Développement. 

Draconian Measures to Protect the Forest

The mayors intend to use the media to raise awareness of this heritage. The team visited the site to see the situation for themselves. The delegation, led by the chairman of the interim management authority, Guelmbaye Bienvenu, immediately suspended a number of building and clearing activities in the forest. ‘Stop all these activities immediately if you don’t want any problems. Besides, who gave you the order?” 

Conclusion

The delegate of the 3rd arrondissement and his neighbourhood chiefs are mandated to monitor this forest and alert the hierarchy in the event of human action. The 190-hectare Moundou (Doumbeur1) communal forest is classified as heritage under decree no. 29/SF signed on 15 January 1955 by the Governor of France Overseas, head of the Chad territory. This heritage deserves to be protected for the well-being of future generations.