| Dimonika Biosphere Reserve | |
| Photo Width: | 260 |
| Map: | Africa |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Coordinates: | 4.1667°N 12.4167°W |
| Area: | 136000ha |
| Established: | 1988 |
| Governing Body: | Réserve de la biosphère de Dimonika |
The Dimonika Biosphere Reserve (French: Réserve de la biosphère de Dimonika) (established 1988) is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Republic of the Congo. The 136000ha reserve is located in the central Mayombe mountain chain about from the Atlantic coast.[1]
The Mayombe has a hot, humid climate, combining tropical and oceanic traits. A lowland Guineo-Congolese rainforest dominates the biosphere reserve together with savanna vegetation. The area is in the transition zone between semi-deciduous and evergreen forest. Of special scientific interest are various types of forest communities recolonising old areas of forest exploitation.[1]
The fauna within the biosphere reserve is diverse and varied.[1]
Compared to other rural areas of Congo, the Mayombe Mountains are densely populated.[1]
Many migrants from neighboring regions, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have settled within the biosphere reserve., there were 19,000 inhabitants in the Sous-prefécture de M’Vouti. Their main activities are subsistence agriculture, hunting, fishing and gold extraction.[1]
The "Mayombe Project" aimed at improving the communication between local stakeholders, managers and scientists. In 1991, a survey was issued to determine perceptions and expectations of the biosphere reserve inhabitants. Research has been carried out on the impact of gold extraction on the biosphere reserve.[1]