Mining-induced environmental and social changes: How vulnerable is the population in the Southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo

This PhD research, situated within the BELSPO EDITOR project, aims to investigate the vulnerability of populations to environmental changes induced by mining activities in Lualaba province. Rural communities in this region heavily depend on forests, land, and water for their livelihoods through activities such as forestry, subsistence agriculture and fishing. The degradation of these vital resources due to mining not only threatens their sustainable livelihoods but also exacerbates their vulnerability to environmental changes. However, the various components of vulnerability (physical, social, economic, and environmental) are not yet sufficiently understood at the local level, creating gaps in knowledge about how landscape changes and resource degradation accumulate over time and space. The study will address three key research questions: Which critical ecosystems are affected by mining, and how do these disruptions impact the services local populations rely on? Additionally, it will explore how mining-induced environmental changes influence community dependence on natural resources and extend to communities situated further from mining sites. By incorporating insights from political ecology, the research will analyze the power dynamics and decision-making processes that contribute to environmental degradation and its socio- economic consequences. Expected outcomes include a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between mining activities and ecosystem services, insights into the resilience and adaptive capacities of populations, and the identification of strategies for effective resource management that prioritize community well-being. This research will also contribute to the broader discourse on environmental change, climate action, and sustainable development in the DRC, linking to the Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, it aims to provide empirical case studies and methodological advancements that enhance vulnerability assessments and inform policies that mitigate the adverse effects of mining, ensuring that local communities can sustain their livelihoods and cultural identities amidst ongoing environmental challenges. The poster will present the research design as well as the results of a first exploratory field research.