In Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, trees are vanishing from the surrounding hills as hundreds of sacks of charcoal arrive daily at the Kadutu market. Once called "Bukavu la verte," or "Green Bukavu," the city has grown rapidly over the past few decades. Its population has increased from about 400,000 in the 1990s to over a million today, all squeezed into a relatively small area of 60 square kilometers between Lake Kivu and the nearby mountains. This rapid urban expansion has placed increasing pressure on the region's natural resources. Vital Kulimushi, an independent researcher and expert in natural resource management, explains that the city's growth and spread have significantly changed the way rural areas use resources. He highlights that charcoal, used by over 90% of urban households for cooking, is the main driver of the region's energy dependence. Kulimushi estimates that between 200 and 250 tonnes of charcoal enter the city every day. He describes the charcoal industry as profitable but not sustainable, often connected to illegal logging practices. Originally, Bukavu was surrounded by the Afromontane forests of the Albertine Rift, which are known for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. However, these forests have largely disappeared due to the demand for charcoal and other resources. The environmental impact is not limited to Bukavu itself. According to Ladislas Witanene, an environmental activist from civil society, the pressure on natural resources extends to surrounding areas such as Kalehe, Kabare, the Ruzizi plain, Uvira, and Mwenga. These regions are also experiencing the consequences of deforestation and resource depletion.