Deforestation in the Ituri forest is increasing through illegal logging operations in the area. A new World Bank road starting from Bunia to the rest of the region provides an easy route out for illegal wood exports along this road and an adjoining river. Recently a bridge collapsed along this route because of the weight of overloaded trucks carrying the goods.
The destruction of natural habitat means that indigenous people find it harder to hunt food so they have no choice but to work for the wood industry to survive. Local indigenous people are exploited by the commercial wood industry and by working as loggers they are helping to destroy their own territory.
The industry has set up special deforestation camps for young people to stay in the forest and work. The camps mean that the workers are in a position to work longer hours and they can therefore fell many more trees during the work day.