Dancing to save Congo Basin rainforests
ENVIRONMENTAL activist Rushka Johnson and earth-loving adults and children pulled out their best dance moves in St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth yesterday for a video to raise awareness about the threat to the Congo Basin rainforests.
The Congo Basin spans across six countries – the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
There are about 10 000 species of tropical plants in the basin and 30% are unique to the region. Endangered wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, and lowland and mountain gorillas inhabit the lush forests.
“[Rainforests] are called the lungs of Africa, and are very important for Africa, for the environment and the world,” Johnson said.
“Lots of animals are being displaced, and it’s taken thousands of years for the trees to grow.”
The video forms part of a pan-African initiative by Greenpeace to save the forest from industrial logging and poor state controls.
A peatland discovered in the area confirmed the status of the basin forest as the most carbon-rich tropical region in the world and its importance in contributing to the reduction of climate change.
“Global activists are trying to save the forests. This video is just one aspect of trying to protect them and prevent its destruction,” Johnson said.
The video was shot by her daughter Breeze, a student at the Bay’s Afda film school.
Breeze said there was a need for the youth to be informed as it could affect them in later life.
“To gain awareness is the biggest thing we can achieve by hosting this event, especially through online media to spread the word,” Breeze said.
Avuyonke Tsako, 11, said he and the other children wanted to be part of the dance because the forests were important for people and animals.
The video will feature on the Greenpeace website, under #DanceForTheCongo as part of the campaign “Give the Congo Basin Forest a Chance”.