Factors driving utilization patterns of marshlands in the vicinity of South-Kivu urban agglomerations based on Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES)

Marshlands are vulnerable ecosystems; being disturbed for several decades as the population density rises. These disturbances, due to anthropogenic activities, impact their ability to deliver important ecosystem services (ES). This study analyzed the current state of marshes in the vicinity of South-Kivu urban agglomerations, (DRC). The methodology combined both remote sensing and household surveys. Results showed that marshes' ecosystem utilization patterns in South-Kivu comprised of unsustainable farming practices, clay extraction for brick making, dwelling and settlement expansion, and aquaculture for fish production.