Albertine Rift

The Albertine Rift encompasses some of the most diverse and endangered ecosystems in the world. They are home to more than 7,500 species of animals and plants, many of which are endemic to the region. Today, this region is also one of the most populous areas in Africa, with a population of up to 700 people per square kilometer in some areas. Since the early 1990s, this hot spot of biodiversity has been plagued by a series of devastating ethnic conflicts, resulting in the death of more than 3 million and the displacement of approximately 2.7 million people (Roberts et al. 2003). In addition to local population growth, the influx of refugees and the lack of settlement policies have compounded the problem of forest degradation, fragmentation, and loss, particularly in protected areas.

Working with the Albertine Rift Programme of the Wildlife Conservation Society, we have been documenting deforestation in the region using satellite imagery. Please navigate to the following pages to learn more about the region and our research activities:

• Natural Environment, Land Use, and Conservation Threats
• Project Objectives, Project Activities, Products & Applications, and Future Outlook

©Woods Hole Research Center, 2007