An ecological and human challenge
Forest degradation affects habitats, resources and community livelihoods. GHW’s mission includes documenting ecocide and the destruction of trees, including their use as weapons of war.

Understand harm to forests and support vigilance in Virunga National Park and the wider Congo Basin.
Forest degradation affects habitats, resources and community livelihoods. GHW’s mission includes documenting ecocide and the destruction of trees, including their use as weapons of war.
This work is intended to include collecting observations, describing damage and placing information in context. Facts need verification before any legal characterization or advocacy.
Local communities’ knowledge can help identify changes in ecosystems. Awareness and community reporting mechanisms are among the tools GHW seeks to develop.
Documentation should inform prevention, advocacy and restoration priorities. It does not replace investigations by competent authorities or court decisions.