Drivers and biodiversity indicators of Miombo degradation in the Lubumbashi charcoal production basin (Upper Katanga, DR Congo)
Héritier Khoji Muteya·JAN BOGAERT·Yannick Useni Sikuzani·Olivia Lovanirina Rakotondrasoa·Dieu-donné N’tambwe Nghonda·Quentin Ponette·François Malaisse·Jonas Yona Mleci
Miombo woodlands of the Lubumbashi Charcoal Production Basin (LCPB) are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services, yet are threatened by anthropogenic pressures, including rising energy demand. This study analyzes key degradation drivers and biodiversity indicators across three recovery stages—advanced, intermediate, and early recovery—using plot-based surveys. The results identified wood harvesting for charcoal production as the main driver of Miombo woodland degradation, which increases