Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua

Brief synthesis

The Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua (FMOK) is the largest protected area in the transition zone between the Atlantic or Lower Guinean region and the Congolese region (1,179,376 ha), with, however, a preponderance of Lower Guinean affinities. It is nestled in the heart of a vast forest ecosystem spanning 4.7 million hectares. The property constitutes an exceptional representation of the process of forest recolonization over savanna, with, in particular, vast areas of highly diverse Marantaceae forests with a preponderance of Lower Guinean affinities. Two-thirds of the property's habitats represent very different stages and ages of this recolonization process. In addition, the escarpment of Etokou is home to saxicolous and mist forests, ecosystems that are not known to occur elsewhere in northern Congo. The fauna within the property is virtually complete, and its forest ecosystem remains fully functional.

Criterion (ix): The forest ecosystem is characterized by its great diversity of formations of very different ages over an enormous area. The property represents all stages of the savanna-to-forest succession process. Marantaceae forests cover around 60% of the property. These forests are highly diversified, representing both progressive succession stages, as seen in other sites in west-central Africa, and regressive stages where mature forests are invaded by the highly aggressive Marantaceae species Haumania liebrechtsiana. The forest dynamics within FMOK are driven by complex and still insufficiently understood ecological processes. The presence of more than 130 marshy clearings maintained by wildlife is not exceptional in itself, but contributes greatly to the significance of the property. These clearings function as vital exchange hubs for nutrients and play a critical role in determining the movements of elephants, which are essential agents of forest dynamics. Moreover, this forest ecosystem, with predominant Lower Guinean affinities, is highly representative of the forests within the Sangha interval and, more specifically, of the advancing front of Lower Guinean forests as they reclaim savanna areas. This virtually untouched forest ecosystem helps to preserve the integrity of the waters of the Mambili basin, and thus the vast interface between terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Criterion (x): The FMOK's intact forest ecosystem is home to little-studied forest formations, including old-growth, saxicolous and mist forests. These mist forests are unique to northern Congo and the Sangha interval, and they provide habitat for at least 32 plant species that are not found elsewhere in the region, including one endemic species. In all, 1,150 plant species have been identified, of which four are endemic and 15 are classified as threatened to varying degrees.

In terms of fauna, this ecosystem supports at least 120 species of mammals. These include 20 threatened species and 17 primate species, including 9 species endemic or sub-endemic to Lower Guinea. The populations of 6,246 forest elephants, 11,481 gorillas, and 2,240 chimpanzees represent significant strongholds for the conservation of these threatened species. Notably, the only known population of forest-dwelling spotted hyenas in the Congo Basin occurs within the property. In terms of avian diversity, 463 bird species have been recorded, including 64% of the 278 forest species restricted to the Guinean-Congolese region, or 88% of the Guineo-Congolian bird species documented in Congo, two of the six endemic species of Lower Guinea and four threatened species. The insect fauna includes at least 647 species of diurnal butterflies, featuring one locally endemic species, numerous sub-endemic species of Lower Guinea, and several species that appear to be confined to the region’s Marantaceae forests. Lastly, the FMOK is also home to significant populations of threatened long-snouted crocodiles, dwarf crocodiles and two endemic fish species.

Integrity

The FMOK forest ecosystem spans 1,179,376 ha, and is further safeguarded by a buffer zone, bringing the total area to 5,386,236 ha. The property itself is almost 100% intact. The buffer zone (4,206,860 ha) includes the eco-development zone of Odzala-Kokoua National Park (PNOK) (187,843 ha), forestry concessions on the immediate periphery of the park (3,640,514 ha), the Lossi Gorilla Sanctuary (35,000 ha), and a section of the Espace TRIDOM Interzone Congo (ETIC) (343,503 ha). The forests in this buffer zone are all sustainably managed or FSC-certified. These areas support a human population of around 40,000 inhabitants.

Mining operations on the outskirts of the FMOK have resulted in mercury contamination of the Lékoli river. Extreme vigilance is therefore required in this area. However, due to its substantial size, slightly accentuated but present relief, dense hydrographic network, phytogeographic ecological gradients, and its large buffer zone, the FMOK ecosystem possesses the resilience needed to withstand future development projects in northern Congo, population expansion, and anticipated climate change impacts. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid potential threats stemming from large-scale development and resource extraction, which could compromise the property’s exceptional integrity.

Protection and management requirements

Apart from activities essential to management, research and tourism, no extractive activities are permitted. Rigorous surveillance measures must be implemented to prevent illegal mining and to require mining companies to perform the mandatory environmental impact assessments for any proposed industrial activities, while ensuring that no mining projects are authorized within the property. Poaching represents the most immediate and pressing threat to the property. Effective anti-poaching strategies, including targeted measures to combat ivory trafficking, are imperative. Alongside the anti-poaching campaign, regular monitoring of the actions taken, the results obtained, and the site’s conditions, is organised. Population estimates for elephants and great apes, as well as surveys of illegal human activities, are conducted at intervals of three to five years.

All these activities are codified by law, mainly by the decree creating the PNOK, Law 37-2008 of November 28, 2008 on wildlife and protected areas, and the Forestry Code. These legal provisions incorporate considerations for peripheral local communities and Indigenous Peoples. In their recognition, a designated “community development zone” has been established, which is managed through participatory mapping initiatives. Guaranteeing the rights and livelihoods of local communities and Indigenous Peoples is a fundamental requirement for the protection and effective management of the property. The management of the property must be based on the principle of free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples, in accordance with the Operational Guidelines.

Finally, the FMOK is surrounded by a 4,206,860-ha buffer zone, comprising sustainably managed and certified forestry concessions. Agreements have been or must be established with these concessions to coordinate anti-poaching efforts. This vast buffer zone of forest concessions extends the forest habitats accessible to species with large home ranges, serves as a protective barrier that isolates the FMOK from various external pressures, and safeguards these forests from being exploited for other uses.