ANALYSE DE L’EVOLUTION DU COUVERT FORESTIER A L’AIDE DES DONNEES GEDI LIDAR DANS LE TERRITOIRE DE BOLOBO PROVINCE DE MAÏ-NDOMBE EN REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO)

This study analyzes spatio-temporaly evolution of the vertical structure of forest cover in the forests of the Bolobo territory in the Maï-Ndombe Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, between 2015 and 2024. The main objective was to analyze forest canopy height dynamics using GEDI LiDAR data in order to identify structural changes to the canopy. RH100 relative height data were processed using Google Earth Engine and compared with field observations related to forest types, characteristic plant species, and dominant anthropogenic activities. The results reveal a predominance of intermediate canopy heights ranging from ±11 to ±21 m, mainly corresponding to young and mature secondary forests. Maximum canopy heights decreased from ±39 m during the 2015–2019 reference period to 25.62 m in 2024. High-canopy forests declined from 46,708 ha to 35,844 ha between 2020 and 2024, whereas low-height formations increased up to 175,911 ha in 2023. The observed changes are mainly associated with slash-and-burn agriculture, artisanal logging, and fuelwood harvesting. This study confirms the relevance of spaceborne LiDAR for supporting PIREDD+ mechanisms.