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Year 8 - Geography

The impact of resource exploitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical and human geography of the DRC and how natural resources bring both opportunities and challenges. Pupils will also learn about the Congo rainforest and how conservation efforts are trying to protect this important biome.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the environmental, social and economic impacts of resource exploitation in the DRC.

Key Notes

  • Mining and logging have led to deforestation and environmental destruction.
  • Many workers, including children, face unsafe conditions in mines.
  • The wealth from natural resources does not benefit most people in the DRC.
  • Resource exploitation has fueled conflict and corruption.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • natural resources: things that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs
  • exploitation: using something or someone for personal benefit
  • deforestation: the complete removal of trees for any reason
  • logging: cutting down trees as a product for economic gain
  • corruption: dishonest behaviour by people in a position of power for personal gain

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That deforestation and logging are the same thing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Mining and logging have led to deforestation and environmental destruction. Many workers, including children, face unsafe conditions in mines.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'natural resources'

things that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: That deforestation and logging are the same thing. Correction: Logging is the use of trees as a natural resource for their wood and can happen legally or illegaly. Deforestation is the cutting down of trees for many reasons, often to make space for other activities such as mining, road building or farming.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Geography guide library.