In 1990, significant tropical forest loss began to affect the Congo Basin due to logging, mining, and agriculture. This degradation of the second-largest rainforest in the world has had dire consequences for biodiversity, indigenous communities, and global climate. The loss of these vital ecosystems underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts. The situation in the Congo Basin highlights the complex interplay between economic development and environmental preservation.

The loss of tropical forests in the Congo Basin during the 1990s inspired Central African voices in global eco-literature. Poets like Léopold Sédar Senghor addressed themes of environmental degradation and cultural identity, advocating for the preservation of their natural heritage.