Plans by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to permit oil corporations to drill in its peatlands and rainforests have been put on hold.
On Monday, January 30, the government was supposed to reveal which businesses were vying to drill for oil in 27 different areas of the DRC. However, hydrocarbons minister Didier Budimbu tweeted on the Saturday before the deadline that the cutoff points had been moved to several periods between April and October 2023.
Due to their proximity to the Cuvette Centrale rainforest and peatlands of the nation, three of these oil blocks are highly contentious. The due dates for these have been moved to July and August.
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While peatland stores carbon below, rainforests absorb a significant amount of it. By draining the water from peatlands, the peat becomes more flammable and thirteen of the border of the block protected areas, including the national park in Virunga are home to the endangered mountain gorilla.
A spokesperson for Greenpeace Africa, Tal Harris, said: “Whatever the reason for the DRC to reschedule its oil auction, the Congolese government should use it to close the chapter on its fossil horror story and offer an alternative story of hope”.
He said that investments in “clean, renewable and decentralised” energy solutions can end energy poverty and protect the planet.
“Communities and wildlife in designated oil blocks need to live in peace without the looming threat of the rainforest being sold to the highest bidder,” he added.
Story was adapted from Climate Home News.
