Water is an essential resource for socio-economic development, but its availability is increasingly threatened by population growth and environmental pressures. In this context, water supply becomes a major issue, requiring sustainable management and an in-depth understanding of the impact of environmental change on lake systems. It is in this perspective that the research project "Analysis of the dynamics of small lake systems in the Congo Basin: Case of Lake Ilodi in the Kwango Province, DRC" falls.
Context and challenges
The Congo Basin, rich in natural resources, faces environmental challenges, notably the degradation of terrestrial and aquatic environments. Surface waters, such as Lake Ilodi, are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, carbonization, deforestation and pollution from waste and effluents.
Lake Ilodi, located in the Kwango Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a crucial ecosystem home to diverse aquatic plant and animal species. However, it is threatened by diffuse pollution due to agricultural practices and the degradation of plant cover, endangering its biodiversity and water quality.
Objectives of the study
The main objective of this study is to characterize the uses and land cover in the Lake Ilodi basin, as well as to analyze the impacts of these uses on the water quality of the lake. Specific objectives include:
Characterization of land types (soil, vegetation, topography) and land uses.
Analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of water in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
Proposal for an Environmental and Social Management Plan for Lake Ilodi to ensure its preservation and sustainability.
Methodology
The methodology is based on an integrated approach, combining the collection of water samples, remote sensing of the plant cover of the basin, documentary review and physico-chemical analysis of the water according to WHO standards. These methods will provide valuable data to assess environmental impacts and guide recommendations for sustainable management of the lake.
Expected results
The results of this study will provide an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of Ilodi Lake and its catchment. They will include information on land types, land uses, physicochemical composition of water in accordance with WHO standards, as well as recommendations for an Environmental and Social Management Plan for Lake Ilodi.
Conclusion
Analyzing the dynamics of small lake systems in the Congo Basin, focusing on Lake Ilodi, is crucial to ensure the conservation of this vital ecosystem. The establishment of an Environmental and Social Management Plan will contribute to preserving water resources and ensuring sustainable development in this strategic region of the African continent.