The Promise and Threat of Lake Kivu

Legends tell of a mysterious mermaid goddess purportedly residing in the depths of Lake Kivu, captivating unsuspecting men with her enchanting allure. Yet beneath her beguiling facade lies a grim truth — the tales speak of a lethal cave where these hapless souls meet their demise. While the existence of mythical creatures remains unproven, there is indeed a threat lying below the surface of this beautiful lake: the presence of methane, not only deadly but also ready to erupt at any moment. And the government’s attempts to extract this gas for energy make such an event ever more likely. 

In the pristine waters of the lake, nestled between Congo and Rwanda, an array of diverse fish species used to thrive. Among the notable inhabitants are tilapia, sardines, catfish, barbus and sambazas, sustaining vital fisheries and serving as a cornerstone of local economies and diets. Sambazas are small fish, still abundant in Lake Kivu, that are commonly dried or smoked for preservation. But in recent years fish stocks have dwindled, posing a threat to the financial resilience of most fishers in the area.