Amplification of Anthropogenic Pressure Heavily Hampers Natural Ecosystems Regeneration within the Savanization Halo Around Lubumbashi City (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Abstract

Located in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Lubumbashi city is surrounded by a belt of savanna, referred to as “savanization halo†, where rare miombo woodland patches could be spotted. This study evaluated the impact of anthropogenic activities on changes in the spatio-temporal pattern within that savanization halo between 2002 and 2017. A mapping approach coupled with landscape ecology analysis tools enabled highlighting both the diagnosis of land cover changes and the processes underlying the spatio-temporal dynamics. Results globally attested that the savanization halo was in constant mutation from 2002 to 2017. Importantly, it was apparent that the dissection, fragmentation and attrition of miombo was amplified by the creation and aggregation of savanna and built-up-bare land complex. Wetland attrition was found to be an additional manifestation of natural ecosystem degradation, with the resulting bare soils suggested as being flooded through the creation of waterbody patches. Agricultural and infrastructural development, supported by rapid population growth, no longer allows natural formations (forest and wetland) to recover from disturbances. It is important to reverse the current trend towards complete anthropization within the savanization halo through selective protection of natural ecosystems according to their values.