Environment Background Guinea the Environment

Environment Background Guinea

The environment of Guinea has changed dramatically within the past few generations. According to research, "Centuries of slash-and-burn agriculture have caused forested areas to be replaced by savanna woodland, grassland, or brush," (Advameg 2009). Massive recent development of industries, such as mining, has devastated the natural landscape and created a whole new look for the country. Between 1981 and 1985, nearly 89,000 acres of land were cut down annually. Landscape also devastated by mining and the increase of hydroelectric facilities. Lost of average 1.14% of its forest annually in more recent years, between 1990 to 1995. This then presents a huge disadvantage for much of the local population who has relied on agriculture and therefore the land.

Thus, the environment contributes to the conflict in that it creates the context for poverty and dissent within local communities. All areas of the regions natural features has been negatively affected by exploitation; "Human encroachment and hunting have reduced Guinea's wildlife, especially its large mammals, and over fishing represents a threat to the nation's marine life," (Advameg 2009). Such depleted resources means poor local economies along based on lower numbers of the plentiful resource. Despite major profits from oil and timber, most of the country still remains below the poverty live.

Additionally, the potential profits involved with the exploitation of the nation's resources, make for tempting business to acquire through corrupt activities and exploitation. This enormous poverty gap is "a testament to the government's corruption, mismanagement and callousness toward its own people," (Mouawad 2009).