DATU Guinea: Ultimatum on Kakimbo Classified Forest Aggression

• DATU previously issued a 72-hour ultimatum for occupants of the Kakimbo classified forest to vacate the premises.
• The classified forest, initially 115 hectares, is now reportedly reduced to only 15 hectares.
• This drastic reduction prompted authorities to take action following two days of identification operations.
• The ultimatum aimed to address the severe encroachment and degradation of the protected ecological zone.

Originally spanning a significant 115 hectares, the classified forest is now reported to encompass a mere 15 hectares, representing a loss of 100 hectares of protected land.

Authorities previously issued a stringent 72-hour deadline for all unauthorized occupants to vacate the Kakimbo classified forest. This directive came from the Direction Nationale de l'Aménagement du Territoire et de l'Urbanisme (DATU), signaling a decisive move to reclaim and protect the severely diminished ecological zone.

The ultimatum followed a two-day period of intensive identification operations conducted by the DATU, during which officials meticulously documented the extent of the encroachment. This preparatory phase underscored the gravity of the situation, setting the stage for enforcement action against those illegally occupying the protected land.

The urgent action by DATU is a direct response to the alarming degradation of the Kakimbo classified forest, which continues to experience a catastrophic reduction in its designated area. Originally spanning a significant 115 hectares, the classified forest is now reported to encompass a mere 15 hectares, representing a loss of 100 hectares of protected land.

This drastic shrinkage highlights the severe pressure from unauthorized occupation and activities within the forest boundaries. The substantial decrease in the classified area underscores the critical need for intervention to prevent further environmental damage and to restore the integrity of this vital ecological asset.

The designation of an area as a 'classified forest' typically signifies its legal protection due to its ecological importance, biodiversity, or role in maintaining environmental balance, often serving as crucial green lungs within or near urban areas. Such classifications are designed to safeguard these zones from human encroachment and exploitation, ensuring their long-term preservation for environmental and public benefit.

The reported reduction of the Kakimbo classified forest by nearly 90% from its original size represents a profound ecological setback and a significant challenge to regulatory enforcement. DATU's efforts, therefore, not only seek to physically remove occupants but also to reassert the legal framework governing protected natural spaces, emphasizing the government's commitment to environmental stewardship and the rule of law in land management.

Source: Original reporting via Agression de la forêt classée de Kakimbo