EXPLORING THE CULTURAL AND ECOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF KASWA HOT SPRINGS IN MOKAMBO CHIEFDOM

Abstract

Thermal waters have long held cultural, therapeutic, and ecological significance across civilizations. Defined by their elevated temperature compared to regional groundwater, these waters are often found in geologically active areas. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the eastern region forming part of the western branch of the African Rift Valley, thermal waters emerge as a result of intense volcanic activity. Despite their abundance and geothermal potential, these resources remain largely underexplored and underutilized. This study focuses on the Kaswa thermal waters located in the Mokambo Chiefdom of Ituri Province, where the hot springs emerge from the Monts-Bleus near Lake Albert in the Albertine Rift. Drawing on both environmental and sociocultural perspectives, the research examines the local community's perceptions, uses, and cultural attributions surrounding the Kaswa hot springs. The study underscores the multifaceted value of these waters—not only as a potential source of geothermal energy and hydrotherapy but also as a site of traditional beliefs and practices. Understanding these perspectives is critical for developing sustainable management strategies that respect both ecological balance and cultural heritage. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how natural resources like thermal waters can serve as intersections of science, culture, and development in African contexts