Kongou Falls
Encyclopedia
Kongou Falls is a massive cataract about 2 to 3 miles wide located in Ivindo National Park
in eastern Gabon
. It is part of the Ivindo river and has a total height of 56 meters. It is the 928th biggest waterfall in the world.
It is reputed to be the most beautiful waterfall in Central Africa (some photos ). This part of the Ivindo River is a major centre of fish biodiversity. The falls are within Ivindo National Park
, created in 2002 to protect among other things this beautiful and biologically diverse stretch of river.
On 14 September 2007 President Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon confirmed that a dam would be built at the falls to provide electricity to a large iron mining project in Belinga
further north. The iron mine is essentially for Gabon's economic development, but the dam will inundate a large part of the National Park, and have a serious impact on local livelihoods. Old studies indicate that there are other sites on the river where a dam would be easier to build and the environmental and social impacts would be much less than at Kongou, but no Environmental impact assessment
was done before the decision was made. The decision will likely put into question the President's strategy of developing ecotourism in Gabon and may well deter investors and tourists alike.
It is claimed that the construction of the dam with no prior study or proper consultation is a sign of the growing power of the Minister of Mines and Petrol
at a time when President Bongo's power is declining and people are positioning themselves for the eventual succession.
Since the death of President Bongo, the future of this project is unclear. Recent economic troubles in China may cause postponement of construction.
One outspoken critic has been Brainforest activist Marc Ona who was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his personal courage and perseverance. Since 2001, Marc Ona and his colleagues at Brainforest have tirelessly fought for the protection of Gabon’s rainforest. They have successfully challenged corrupt government officials and foreign investors. In 2006 Marc and his colleagues managed to protect Gabon’s Loango National Park from an oil exploration project. They are now campaigning against the even larger Belinga iron ore and hydropower project, which threatens to destroy the majestic Kongou Falls in Ivindo National Park.
Marc was ready for take off at Gabon’s international airport to accept the prize when he was taken off the plane under orders from the Minister of Interior. It took interventions from high-ranking politicians in Gabon and the US to make it possible for him to accept the prize in person. When Marc returns to Gabon, he will still face charges for inciting rebellion against the state – charges for which he and four other activists were temporarily arrested at the end of last year.
Ivindo National Park
Ivindo National Park is a national park in east-central Gabon in west central Africa. It is bisected by the equator. Ivindo National Park was completed in 2004. It contains the famous Kongou Falls.- External links :**...
in eastern Gabon
Gabon
Gabon , officially the Gabonese Republic is a state in west central Africa sharing borders with Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, and with the Republic of the Congo curving around the east and south. The Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean is to the west...
. It is part of the Ivindo river and has a total height of 56 meters. It is the 928th biggest waterfall in the world.
It is reputed to be the most beautiful waterfall in Central Africa (some photos ). This part of the Ivindo River is a major centre of fish biodiversity. The falls are within Ivindo National Park
Ivindo National Park
Ivindo National Park is a national park in east-central Gabon in west central Africa. It is bisected by the equator. Ivindo National Park was completed in 2004. It contains the famous Kongou Falls.- External links :**...
, created in 2002 to protect among other things this beautiful and biologically diverse stretch of river.
On 14 September 2007 President Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon confirmed that a dam would be built at the falls to provide electricity to a large iron mining project in Belinga
Belinga
Belinga is a location in Gabon with as yet unexploited iron ore deposits. These ore deposits extend into neighbouring Cameroon and Congo.- Mining :The Belinga iron reserves were discovered in 1895...
further north. The iron mine is essentially for Gabon's economic development, but the dam will inundate a large part of the National Park, and have a serious impact on local livelihoods. Old studies indicate that there are other sites on the river where a dam would be easier to build and the environmental and social impacts would be much less than at Kongou, but no Environmental impact assessment
Environmental impact assessment
An environmental impact assessment is an assessment of the possible positive or negative impact that a proposed project may have on the environment, together consisting of the natural, social and economic aspects....
was done before the decision was made. The decision will likely put into question the President's strategy of developing ecotourism in Gabon and may well deter investors and tourists alike.
It is claimed that the construction of the dam with no prior study or proper consultation is a sign of the growing power of the Minister of Mines and Petrol
Richard Auguste Onouviet
Richard Auguste Onouviet is a Gabonese politician. Holding a succession of ministerial portfolios, Onouviet served in the government of Gabon as Minister of Water and the Environment from 1999 to 2002, Minister of Mines, Energy, and Oil from 2002 to 2007, Minister of Planning from 2007 to 2009,...
at a time when President Bongo's power is declining and people are positioning themselves for the eventual succession.
Since the death of President Bongo, the future of this project is unclear. Recent economic troubles in China may cause postponement of construction.
One outspoken critic has been Brainforest activist Marc Ona who was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his personal courage and perseverance. Since 2001, Marc Ona and his colleagues at Brainforest have tirelessly fought for the protection of Gabon’s rainforest. They have successfully challenged corrupt government officials and foreign investors. In 2006 Marc and his colleagues managed to protect Gabon’s Loango National Park from an oil exploration project. They are now campaigning against the even larger Belinga iron ore and hydropower project, which threatens to destroy the majestic Kongou Falls in Ivindo National Park.
Marc was ready for take off at Gabon’s international airport to accept the prize when he was taken off the plane under orders from the Minister of Interior. It took interventions from high-ranking politicians in Gabon and the US to make it possible for him to accept the prize in person. When Marc returns to Gabon, he will still face charges for inciting rebellion against the state – charges for which he and four other activists were temporarily arrested at the end of last year.