In DRC, a high level scientific declaration to preserve the Congo Basin forests

Indeed, from September 5 to 7, 2022, many actors in forest management (scientists, authorities, NGOs, international organizations, local communities, private sector, etc.) met in Yangambi around the theme "Contribution of the forests of the Congo Basin and other tropical basins of the planet to the fight against climate change: state of the art and prospects". This conference was held as part of the preparatory work for the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) organized by the DRC in partnership with Egypt.

At the end of this meeting, the participants prepared a declaration summarizing the various points of alert raised during the exchanges and discussions, concerning the management of forest resources and biodiversity, but also protected areas or biosphere reserves, soils, water resources, carbon credits, or energy.

On forests and biodiversity, the need was highlighted to:

• monitor and develop indicators on the health of forests and animal and plant biodiversity
• implement strategies to promote and enhance the value of forest products;
• mobilize sustainable funding to ensure :
• training of human capital for the citizen management of forest resources
• community ownership of the community forestry process
• local development of skills for the elaboration and implementation of simple management plans;
• valuation of ecosystem services;
• securing the land and forestry rights of local communities and indigenous peoples
• equitable benefit sharing and integration of local community forest concessions into the overall land-use planning process.

The objective of this declaration is to call on governments and the international community to mobilize in support of conservation and preservation initiatives for vulnerable forests and ecosystems that sequester tons of carbon and contribute to maintaining the global climate balance.

Indeed, the role of human capital in the rational and sustainable management of biodiversity resources was emphasized during these meetings. This is in line with the COMIFAC convergence plan as well as the RIFFEAC^[1] motto which stipulate that training and awareness are at the heart of sustainable development. L’ERAIFT^[2] and many university training institutions are delighted with this initiative to value the work done for the capacity building of future university executives.

Click here to download the Yangambi declaration

[1] RIFFEAC : Network of Central African Forestry and Environmental Training Institutions

[2] ERAIFT : Postgraduate Regional School of Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Territories.