The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Congo

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

CONGO

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Congo on 18 October 1998. Congo presently has 5 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 6,926,759 hectares.

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Cayo-Loufoualeba. 13/12/07; Kouilou; 15,366 ha; 04°53'S 011°57'E. A complex of marine and continental wetlands in the south, including the Malonda mangrove, the Loemé and Malonda rivers, Cayo and Loufoualeba lakes, small streams, marshes and submerged forested islets, resulting in a highly diversified ecosystem. It is an important refuge for the Hippopotamus and Chimpanzee, species of conservation concern. About 378 bird species (including about 284 breeding birds) and a significant number of waterbird species restricted to the Congo-Guinea biome have been spotted, thus contributing significantly to maintaining the biodiversity of the region. As an important source of fish, fuel wood, water for domestic use, and other forest and water resources and as a site associated with traditional beliefs, it is of considerable socio-cultural value to the surrounding population. An overall hydrological balance is maintained by ground water recharge ensured by the lakes, flood prevention, shoreline stabilization and nutrient retention ensured by the marshes and vegetation cover. In the absence of a management plan for the site, it presently benefits from the hunting law which bans hunting from November to May every year. Resource use in some zones is also restricted to clan members, hence ensuring controlled exploitation of resources. Ramsar site no. 1740. Most recent RIS information: 2008.

Conkouati-Douli. 13/12/07; Kouilou; 504,950 ha; 03°55'S 011°27'E; National Park. A diverse complex of marine and continental wetland types on the border with Gabon (littoral coast and beaches, mangroves, lagoons, lakes, permanent rivers and streams, papyrus marshes and submerged swamp forests) results in a highly diverse fauna (1207 species in 129 families), makes it a refuge and reproduction zone for fishes, shrimps, crabs, waterbirds and mammals, and maintains the overall hydrological balance of the zone through groundwater recharge, flood prevention, shoreline stabilization and nutrient retention. The resulting fauna diversity contributes to maintaining the biodiversity of the region and gives the site its great biological, hydrological and economic importance. Species of global conservation concern include the forest elephant, gorilla, marine turtles, etc. Fishing and hunting are the major socio-economic activities. Harvesting of forest resources mostly for subsistence also occurs. The waters of the site are exploited for traditional and religious rites, making it culturally important. The National Park has an official management plan but also benefits from the fishing and hunting laws of Congo, further ensuring conservation of its resources. The appearance of invasive aquatic plants, practice of bush fires and slash and burn agriculture, and poaching of turtle eggs are major threats. Ramsar site no. 1741. Most recent RIS information: 2008.

Grands affluents. 13/12/07; Plateaux, Cuvette, Sangha, Likouala; 5,908,074 ha; 00°15'S 016°42'E. A large expanse along the Congo River, which with its tributaries represents the most important hydrological system in Central Africa. The main features are lakes, ponds, marshes, flooded and swampy forests, and permanent and temporary rivers, the main rivers being Oubangui, Sangha, Likouala-Mossaka, and Alima, all Congo tributaries, leading to the appellation "Grands affluents". This diverse biotope hosts a wide variety of plant species, macro invertebrates, fishes, birds, reptiles and aquatic mammals. It is home to endangered species (forest elephant, gorilla, and hippopotamus) and offers refuge to migratory fish and bird species during adverse periods. Fishing and exploitation of palm wine (a drink of traditional/cultural symbolism) are major socio-economic activities by the riverine population. The rivers offer an important transport network for local movement as well as transportation of goods between Central Africa and the Atlantic coast, thus important for the socio-economic development of the region. In the absence of a management plan, resource exploitation is partially controlled by respect for the hunting seasons, restriction of exploitation of certain zones to clan residents only, and other local practices and beliefs. Ramsar site no. 1742. Most recent RIS information: 2008.

Libenga. 13/12/07; Likouala; 59,409 ha; 02°51'N 018°00'E. Located in the north and extending to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the level of River Oubangui, the site consists of River Libenga (325 km long), marshes on both sides of the river, small streams, floodplains, and swamp forests. It plays an important role in biodiversity maintenance, hydrological regulation, and socio-economy of the zone. The river is an important refuge for the hippopotamus population coming from River Oubangui where they face some threats. A wide variety of endemic and migrant fish species inhabit these waters, and the prairies around the river serve as a refuge for some migratory birds (Marabou Stork and Pelicans) and migratory buffalos. The river is important for local transportation. Fishing and palm wine exploitation constitute the main economical activities. The site has no management plan at present but benefits from national and local resource management measures such as restrictive hunting seasons and limitation of exploitation of certain zones to clan residents. River Libenga continues to benefit from the program of control of aquatic invasive species that was initiated by the government in 1998. Ramsar site no. 1743. Most recent RIS information: 2008.

Réserve Communautaire du Lac Télé/Likouala-aux-Herbes. 18/06/98; Région de la Likouala; 438,960 ha; 01º05’N 017º15’E. The site comprises a swamp forest, inundated savannahs and floating praries. The wetland vegatation is a mixture of wetland forest species, sometimes flooded and wooded savannah. Several mammal species exist in the area and these include primates, duikers and wild boar as well as bird species such as herons and egrets. The site is owned by the local communities around it, who depend upon it for various natural resources, and subsistence agriculture takes place around the firm ground of the wetland area. Fishing is one of the major activities around the wetland. Ramsar site no. 950. Most recent RIS information: 1994.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 19 January 2000, updated 1 February 2008, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.