Effects of human activities on forest resources in the crystal mountains of Gabon

Abstract

National Parks are an important measure of conservation but human activities can impede on this measure. Although certain forest resources regenerate naturally, this is not the case with every forest resource. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between human activities and forest resource loss in the Crystal Mountains National Park and its surroundings. The study site is a National Park that was subjected to human activities prior to its establishment as National Park. The study assessed the relationship between human activities and the loss of forest resources. Data was gathered through the participation of locals in a survey. The questionnaire consisted of three sections and 51 questions. In addition to the survey, temporal data was gathered to determine forest cover change over two different periods 1990 and 2005, as well as climate data for the period of 2000 - 2009 were used to compare with the other data obtained. The study showed that the major activities in the study area were logging and subsistence farming. Based on the temporal data, forest cover loss was lower than proceeding years, from the period of 2000 - 2005 which was 0.30% compared to the period of 1990 - 2000 which was 0.49%. The climate in the region during the period of 2000 - 2009 remained constant which is conducive for the regeneration forest resources. The low educational level in the area has resulted in a high percentage of unemployment. This phenomenon has led to the use of forest resources by locals. Therefore, stringent management interventions need to be put in place to maintain the current reduction in forest cover loss.