Anthropogenic activities and dynamics of forest ecosystems in the territorial areas of Katangan copper belt (KCB) (DR Congo)

Abstract

The territorial zones of the Katangan copper belt are among the main receptacles of a strong demographic and mining sites concentration in DR Congo. As a result, the spatial pattern of their natural landscapes are undergoing profound changes. This study characterizes land cover changing trends before and after mining liberalization in 2002. Three Landsat image mosaics (TM 1990, ETM + 2002 and OLI 2015) have been classified into "Forest" and "Non Forest", and validated by the Kappa coefficient values. The results showed a growing landscape disturbance, especially after mining liberalization. The landscape matrix, initially "Forest" patches, has been degraded and / or converted into "Non Forest" class. Subsequently, attrition and dissection of forest patches in opposition to creation of "Non Forest" patches have been identified as spatial transformation processes. The regressive dynamics of forest ecosystems resulting from several human activities including agriculture, fuelwood production and mining activities performed in synergy, has been further amplified in the Kasenga zone. Territorial administrators will urgently need to declare protected areas and create nature reserves to preserve forest ecosystems.