Environmental Justice Movements in Resource-Rich Central African Republic: A Survey Research

The Central African Republic (CAR), a resource-rich nation, faces significant environmental challenges exacerbated by extractive industries and deforestation. Environmental Justice Movements (EJM) have emerged as critical actors advocating for sustainable development and equitable distribution of resources. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including structured interviews with stakeholders, focus group discussions, and a quantitative survey among community members. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics to identify common themes and proportions of responses. Community surveys revealed that over 70% of respondents expressed support for EJM activities but highlighted concerns about economic benefits not being equitably distributed. Themes emerged around the need for improved governance, stakeholder engagement, and community involvement in decision-making processes. While acknowledging the challenges, this study underscores the pivotal role of EJMs in CAR's environmental justice agenda. Future research should focus on developing policy mechanisms that integrate local communities' voices into resource management strategies. Policy makers are encouraged to incorporate community-based participatory approaches and transparent governance structures into their policies, ensuring equitable benefits from natural resources for all stakeholders.