Ce projet de recherche s'inscrit dans le cadre de la compréhension de la dynamique forestière dans un contexte de perturbations notamment anthropiques et naturelles qui affectent la stabilité écosystémique dans cette zone .

Anthropogenic activities lead to disturbances in the structure and functioning of forests, contributing to biodiversity loss and ecosystem services reduction. This study focused on the assessment of human activity effects on the biodiversity degradation because of the exerted pressure on forest ecosystems. Specifically, it aimed to identify the different categories of people involved in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) biological resource use system, and to highlight the different anthropogenic activities carried out in the KBNP and their frequencies. We used two different approaches for data collection: the documentary method helped to gather historical information on the study sites and the survey conducted in Cibuga, Cirharhangwa, Kafulumaye and Kamalyongo villages allowed to collect current information on resources management. The artisanal sawmilling, charcoal production, animals hunting, firewood and medicinal plants collection are the main activities carried out by the neighbouring population of the KBNP. The park faces several threats linked to land conflicts, armed groups and illegal exploitation of natural resources. According to the collected information, indigenous populations were expelled from their lands formerly located within the KBNP, which led the people surveyed to loudly proclaim the weakness of local populations’ involvement in the park management. This leads autochthons to think that natural resources exploitation is better than their conservation. So, the effective participation of local people is recommended in the planification and the creation of protected areas and resources management.

Keywords : Resources, Autochthon, Exploitation, Conservation, Kahuzi-Biega

Invasive alien species represent a major threat for biodiversity and ecosystems functioning and services. In this study, we investigated the role of Lantana camara in structuring ruderal species diversity in the city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sampling plots were implemented within four sites spread across the city and based on the importance of Lantana camara invasion. In each site, we installed twelve 4m 2 plots spread across 4 transects. These plots were installed at 0, 4, and 8 m moving from Lantana camara at 2 m intervals. Six plots were installed for Lantana camara with aggregate dispersal mode and 6 others for isolated. In addition to the floristic inventory, we collected soil samples in each plot. We observed that there is no significant difference in terms of specific diversity under Lantana camara in aggregated and isolated modes. This diversity increases when moving away from Lantana camara. Considering the specific abundance, Digitaria vestida was the most abundant species under Lantana camara while at 4 m and 8 m away from the Lantana camara, we observed high values for species Justicia flava and Bidens pilosa respectively. Finally, it should be noted that pH and nitrogen have respectively a negative impact on species richness and a positive effect on plot density.