Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in a Socio-Cultural Upheaval of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve Landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Indigenous knowledge systems play a crucial role in sustainable forest resource management within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite rapid socio-cultural changes. The study reveals that customary taboos and restrictions effectively regulate hunting, fishing, gathering, and honey harvesting, contributing to biodiversity conservation. However, vulnerabilities such as biodiversity decline, erosion of intergenerational knowledge transmission, and increased reliance on monetary income are evident. A mixed-methods approach, including surveys (n = 80), focus group discussions, floristic inventories, and statistical analyses, demonstrated a highly structured socio-ecological gradient, indicating strong coupling between environmental perceptions, demographic identity, and livelihood strategies. The findings underscore the resilience of Indigenous Peoples but also highlight their exposure to ecological and cultural disruptions. Formal recognition of Indigenous institutions and integration of their knowledge systems into co-management frameworks are essential for strengthening ecological resilience and aligning conservation policies with global biodiversity and climate agendas.

Kasoki, L. M., Essouman, P. F. E., Musavandalo, C. M., Wamba, F. R., Makanua, I. D., Nguba, T. B., Mavakala, K., Mweru, J.-P. M., Tsakem, S. C., Babale, M., Nzuzi, F. L., & Michel, B. (2025). Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Management of Forest Resources in a Socio-Cultural Upheaval of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve Landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Forests, 16(10), 1523. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101523