American Embassy Kinshasa Newsletter October 8, 2009
INSIDE The Forests of the Congo Basin Naturally Out of Kinshasa Zongo Falls by Yvette M. Pennacchia Botanical Garden Kisantu US - DRC Match By Mohamed S. Dansoko CLO’s Line From the Medical Unit Travel Around Africa
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Lamu Island, Kenya
AERWA FLO Weekly Update What’s Going On Classifieds Calendar
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The Forests of the Congo Basin Compared to many other tropical forests, the Congo improved livelihoods without mortgaging the future and the Basin Forest still is relatively healthy. However, under what appear to be undisturbed canopies, serious degradation is often underway. Large blocks of the forest have already become “silent forests,” unable to support people or wildlife dependent on forest resources. Unless the trend of accelerating degradation is reversed, the Congo Basin Forest could face the same destruction as that seen in parts of West Africa and South-East Asia. Recognizing both the value of conserving the forest, and the dangers posed to it, is not a new phenomenon. For example, the first elephant reserve was created in 1889; the mountain gorilla was protected in 1912; and national parks were created starting in 1925. However, protection of the forests only began in earnest in the 1980s, once industrial logging began moving inland from coastal areas, expanding and deepening the threat to the forests. This comprehensive regional approach is reflected in more recent conservation and development initiatives. The ECOFAC program, funded by the European Commission began in 1992 and covers six Central African countries. ECOFAC focuses on: conserving biodiversity, especially through protected areas; promoting sustainable use of forest resources to promote development and encouraging regional cooperation. A further initiative, the USAID Central African Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) is a 20year regional initiative that began in 1995. The program was created to increase knowledge of Central African forests and biodiversity and build institutional and human resources capacity in the region. During the first phase of CARPE, from 1995 to 2002, key lessons were generated by partners regarding the conditions and practices required to reduce deforestation and biodiversity loss in nine Central African countries. More important, during this same period the countries of Central Africa were intensifying regional coordination efforts in an effort to ensure biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management across the Congo Basin.
alleviate poverty, and improve governance and natural resource conservation through support for a network of protected areas and well managed forestry concessions— and through assistance to communities that depend on the conservation of the outstanding forest and wildlife resources in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. The U.S. funded activities under CBFP will focus on achieving these goals in 11 ecologically important landscapes in these six countries. Notably, while CARPE overlaps substantially with the geographical scope of work of CBFP, it does include activities beyond these priority landscapes, such as the Virunga landscape.
On September 4, 2002, the United States and South Africa joined 27 public and private partners to launch the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. This new partnership was established to lend international support for achieving the stated Yaoundé Declaration goals. Congo Bongo October 8, 2009
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The Forests of the Congo Basin Biogeographically History During the past two million years, the Congo Basin Forest has frequently been reduced and fragmented in response to dry periods. Climate change in equatorial Africa is linked with changes in the upwelling of cold, deep sea water in the Gulf of Guinea. During the last ice age—some 18,000 years ago—rainfall over equatorial Africa was greatly reduced, and most of the present-day forest was actually a forest-savanna mosaic. At the time, the closed canopy forest was mostly limited to refuge areas, especially along the hills of the western coastal portions of the forest and on the far eastern mountains. Today these areas still maintain greater species richness and endemism than other parts of the Basin. However, climate fluctuations are not limited to ice ages, and the most recent natural destruction of the forest by a significant dry spell was only 2,000– 2,500 years ago. Evidence of relatively recent vegetation change is wide- spread in the region. There is other evidence that in many places vegetation is not in equilibrium with the current climate. For example, the important timber tree, known as Okoumé in Gabon, colonizes grasslands and regenerates poorly in mature forests that prevail. In some areas, for instance, rapid reforestation of savannas is taking place. Given this natural history combined with rapidly changing and sometimes significant impacts of human activity, the overall picture for the Congo Basin Forest is quite complex. Growth rates of plant and tree species, carbon accumulation, forest structure, biodiversity characteristics, and forest succession are all impacted by both human and natural changes, with significant implications for forest management and biodiversity conservation that are unfortunately only poorly understood.
Humans in the Forest
Agriculture in the forest is a recent development. Bantu agriculturalists migrated into the forest zone from the northwest about 5,000 years ago. Traditionally, farming in African forests has involved an extensive rotation of forest clearing, cultivation, abandonment, fallow re-forestation, and subsequent re-clearing. Given the low fertility of African rain forest soils and the low productivity of tropical forest in general, the traditional lifestyle of both farmers and huntergatherers can only exist in ecological stability at low human population density, with harvesting of natural resources geared toward local consumption. People also tend to concentrate along the larger navigable rivers, including the Congo River, from Kinshasa to Kisangani, and the Ubangi River. These rivers have traditionally served as critical trade and transportation corridors supplying food and moving goods for local populations. As all rivers running into the Atlantic Ocean are barred by rapids and waterfalls close to their estuary, the interior of the Congo Basin Forest is difficult to access. As a result of these natural barriers, significant European influence in the interior of Central Africa began only in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, patterns of human settlement have been largely driven by the development of road networks. The first roads were constructed during colonial rule to facilitate the extraction of natural resources. During this period, populations relocated along major roads, leaving large forest tracts unpopulated. Today, roads continue to influence the pattern of rural complexes, with people establishing villages along roads, leading to “halos” of human encroachment into the forest. In areas with no roads or navigable rivers, large tracts of forest remain intact.
Modern humans have occupied and used the forest for at least 50,000 years. Evidence of pygmy culture dates back 20,000 years. Today these traditional hunter-gatherers have complex, multi-generational relationships with farmers exchanging forest products for starch-rich foods and access to manufactured goods. Congo Bongo October 8, 2009
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Out ofof Kinshasa Out Kinshasa Zongo Falls By Yvette M. Pennacchia IWC of Kinshasa Picture by Solane le Blanc Guide Touristique de Kinshasa
Looking for a quick weekend getaway? Some trees, some quiet, some R&R? Well 80 km outside of Kinshasa you will find all this, and more at Zongo Falls (Chute de Zongo). We left mid-day on Saturday to drive 30 km on the road to Matadi and then made a right turn on a dirt road that was clearly marked Chute de Zongo and proceeded to drive for 2.5 hours more on a dirt road (50 km) to the Falls. Because we made reservations only five days in advance we got to sleep in the tents versus the private bungalows. On the premises, there are about 15 tents and 7 bungalows. The tents were large and came with cots, sheets and blankets – and everything was impressively clean. The public showers were immaculate with large ceramic tiled stalls and great water pressure for both hot and cold water. On the campgrounds are half dozen little dining areas that sit 6- 8 people and named for different provinces in Congo, all outdoors but with canopies. You can either bring your own food and rent their BBQ grills along with charcoal or order from the restaurant – the menu is limited, but the prices are reasonable ranging from $10-20 and their chocolate coconut ice cream was one of the best I’ve ever tasted! We brought our own coffeepot, coffee, and water and just asked them to prepare it in the morning (they only had Nescafe). Bring a waterproof camera if you can, also bug spray, and a flashlight and toiletries –everything else you can get there.
Saturday after the long drive, we just relaxed and read by the river. Because we visited during the dry season, we traveled by ourselves. During the rainy season, it is critical to drive with one or two more cars, bring a shovel, and allow plenty of time since the dirt road is extreely slippery and cars often are stuck. Make certain your spare tire is in good shape – we needed it on the way home. On Sunday, we packed our car – check out is at 12 pm, and spent the entire day hiking around the falls. The weather in Zongo Falls is the same as Kinshasa. Even in the dry season, the rocks are covered in moss and somewhat dangerous to hike on, but we did. Hiking in sneakers is fine, but I would advise wearing long pants; we were in tall grass and my legs had these huge scratches all over them. For those less adventurous, there is a walking path – you don’t really need a guide, the area is not too big and you always have the Falls as your guide. The waterfalls are lovely, hypnotic and so peaceful. Although we were away only 2 days, it definitely felt like a mini vacation. To make your reservations, contact: Mr. Kabeya +243 (99) 811 6325 3689 Avenue Isiro, Gombe, Kinshasa www.selisafari.com info@selasafari.com
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Bas-Congo Province Botanical Garden Kisantu (Inkisi) province of Bas-Congo The botanical garden was created in 1900 by Justin Gillet, a Jesuit missionary, and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Central Africa. The species of plant life are very rich and surprisingly diverse (3,500 species of both local and introduced plat life). The landscapes are varied and can be viewed from Mount Calvary. Among the remarkable places, there is the orchard of mango trees, pergolas plants shade the greenhouse for succulents, an orchid collection, a collection of medicinal plants, and an arboretum. The park is open daily from 8am until 5pm. There is an entry fee of 500 FC per adult and 50 CF per child. Other fees may apply for vehicles, pets, and bringing your own picnic. It is approximately 120km from Kinshasa and takes between 2-3hours on the RN1 (Route Matadi). It is accessible in all seasons although there is one stretch of gravel roads, approximately 4-5km which may require 4-wheel drive after heavy rains. There is also a restaurant available. Activities: Strolling in the park, it is also possible to visit the impressive brick cathedral in the city (in general closed weekdays, except for office hours). Miscellaneous: There is a hotel near the garden and cathedral. The city, formerly called Inkisi, was renamed by the missionaries. At the time, it was a village with a very large community of witches and voodoo practitioners and missionaries sought to eradicate such practices. To accomplish this, they built a site with many religious buildings, including the cathedral, which helped to focus people and convert them. You can buy fruits and vegetables in the city and "Makala" (charcoal) on the road. A few kilometers before Kisantu and just before the market Inkisi, there is also a Congolese who sells raw roots and wenge wood.
Natural Symphonies Located about 15 km from the city center next to the Binza district, the road requires a 4x4 on the three last km. Take the road of "marble palace" and in front of the sculpture of a lion lying down. Turn right onto Avenue Bumba, then left on the road to Matadi and an immediate right onto Avenue du General Basuki. An entrance fee of 1,000 FC per person is requested. There is a chance to eat there (or picnic), fish and walk around the ponds, small caves and surrounding villages. It's very relaxing and very close to downtown. Once a year, usually the last weekend of October, a motocross is held on tracks nearby. It is also a good place for cycling. Congo Bongo October 8, 2009
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From the Med Unit 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called “swine flu�) is a new influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. Because this virus is very different from current seasonal influenza viruses, many people will not have protective immunity against it and the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against it either. Influenza is unpredictable, but this flu season could be worse than recent years because of the 2009 H1N1 virus. CDC is preparing for an early flu season and expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season.
How does 2009 H1N1 flu spread? Both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal influenza are thought to spread mostly from person to person through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with influenza. People also may get sick by touching something with flu viruses on it, and then touching their mouth or nose.
How long can a sick person spread 2009 H1N1 flu to others? People infected with 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to about 7 days after getting sick. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems.
How severe is illness associated with this 2009 H1N1 flu virus? 2009 H1N1 flu illness has ranged from mild to severe. Most healthy people who have been sick with 2009 H1N1 have recovered without needing medical treatment, however, hospitalizations and deaths from 2009 H1N1 have occurred. Most people who have been hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 have had a medical condition that places them at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. However, some people who have become very ill have been previously healthy. Severe infections have been reported among people of all ages. While few people over the age of 65 have been infected with this new virus, if people in this age group become ill, they are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications. Who is at greatest risk of infection with this new virus? So far, younger people have been more likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu than older people. Most cases of 2009 H1N1 have occurred in people younger than 25 years of age. At this time, there are relatively few cases of 2009 H1N1 in people 65 or older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick from 2009 H1N1 flu? CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions including frequent hand washing and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Congo Bongo October 8, 2009
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From the Med Unit A vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu is being produced. To protect those at greatest risk of 2009 H1N1, CDC recommends that certain people get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine first when it becomes available. These key groups include people who are at higher risk of getting sick or having serious flu complications, those who are likely to come in contact with 2009 H1N1, and those who could infect young infants who cannot be vaccinated themselves. This includes: Pregnant women People who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months of age Health care and emergency medical service personnel People 6 months to 24 years of age People 25 to 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications because of an underlying health condition or compromised immune systems
Everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. (Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.) Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol -based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay home if you are sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for several days; a supply of overthe-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues, facemasks and other related items might be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
What should I do if I get sick? If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms this flu season you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to seek medical care. Most people have been able to recover at home from 2009 H1N1 without needing medical care and the same is true of seasonal flu. However, some people are at high risk of serious flu-related complications. They are: Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old People 65 and older Pregnant women People who have: Cancer Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease) Chronic lung disease [including asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)] Diabetes Heart disease Kidney disorders Liver disorders Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord) Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis) Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS) If you (or your child) are in one of the groups above and develop flu-like symptoms, consult a health care provider to get advice about seeking medical care. Also, it’s possible for otherwise healthy people to develop severe illness so any one concerned about their illness should consult their doctor. There are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently. Congo Bongo October 8, 2009
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From the Med Unit
Are there medicines to treat infection with this new virus? Yes. There are prescriptions drugs called “antivirals” that can treat influenza illness, including 2009 H1N1. These drugs can make illness milder and may also prevent serious complications. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs this flu season is to treat people who are severely ill (hospitalized) and sick people who are at increased risk of serious influenza-related complications. CDC recommends the use of the antiviral drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir this season.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick? CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a feverreducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. If you must leave the house (for example to see your doctor), wear a facemask, if you have one and it is tolerable, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
Flu symptoms can include fever* cough sore throat runny or stuffy nose body aches headache chills fatigue sometimes diarrhea and vomiting *It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Emergency Warning Signs In Children: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash In Adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting
EMERGENCY
Congo Bongo October 8, 2009
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