Reforestation Initiatives in the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (DR Congo): Plant Diversity Selection, Management Practices, and Ecosystems Structure
Authors: N'tambwe Dieu-donné Nghonda , Khoji Héritier Muteya , Kalenga Gracia Mupanda , Duse François Dukuku , Kasanda Nathan Mukendi , Esoma Bienvenu Okothomas , Mpanda Médard Mukenza , Cabala Sylvestre Kaleba , Malaisse François , Masengo Wilfried Kalenga , Bogaert Jan , Useni Yannick Sikuzani 
Published: November 2024

The sustainability of reforestation initiatives depends on the involvement of local communities, whose lack of ownership compromises efforts to combat deforestation in the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin. This study assesses reforestation activities in two village areas (Milando and Mwawa), based on individual interviews (50 individuals/village area) and floristic inventories carried out in two types of habitats (reforested and unexploited) for each village area. The hypotheses test whether (i) reforested habitats and tree species were inclusively selected and sustained through community-based practices, (ii) reforested habitats exhibit comparable ecological metrics to unexploited miombo due to protected regrowth, and (iii) ethnobotanical and floristic lists show variations reflecting differing anthropogenic impacts and limited species diversity in reforestation efforts. Thus, the interviews gathered data on habitat and woody species selection for reforestation, and management practices, while the inventories assessed the condition of these reforested habitats in terms of density per hectare, basal area, mean square diameter, and floristic diversity. The results show that in both village areas, the selection of habitats for reforestation was carried out concertedly (22.00-44.00% of citations). Woody species were chosen according to the needs of local communities (40-52%) and the availability of seeds (18.00-44.00%). Furthermore, management practices for these reforested habitats include planning/assessment meetings (26.00-38.00%) and maintenance activities, such as firebreaks (38.00-46.00%) and surveillance of reforested habitats (24.00%). Additionally, these practices are being increasingly neglected, jeopardizing reforestation efforts. However, density/ha, basal area, mean square diameter and floristic diversity did not show significant differences between reforested and unexploited habitats, particularly at Milando (p&amp;gt;0.05). Furthermore, floristic similarity is 55.56% for reforested habitats and 93.75% for unexploited habitats but remains low between reforested and unexploited habitats (40.00-47.62%). This similarity between ethnobotanical and floristic lists is also low (43.75-31.58%). Finally, a total of 442 woody individuals were recorded in reforested habitats and 630 in unexploited ones, with Fabaceae dominating both habitat types. Despite some cited reforestation species like Acacia polyacantha being absent, Brachystegia spiciformis emerged as the most prevalent species in both reforested and unexploited areas. The results of the present study suggest a sustainable and continuous management of these reforested habitats for an effective reconstitution of the forest cover. To reinforce the sustainable management of these reforested habitats, it is recommended that decision-makers conduct with awareness-raising campaigns and establish payment for environmental services mechanisms to motivate communities.