Title: “IPLC Forest Facility: A new fund for the protection of forests in DR Congo”
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is hosting an information workshop on the implementation of a new mechanism for accessing funds called the IPLC Forest Facility (IFF). Organized by the Rainforest Foundation Norway, this event aims to present this fund dedicated to local communities and indigenous peoples for the protection of high integrity forests. This article explores the details of this workshop and its importance for the conservation of biodiversity in the DRC.
Communities committed to the preservation of forest biodiversity:
The IPLC Forest Facility aims to support local community and indigenous peoples’ projects related to community forestry, protected area management and land use planning. In close collaboration with local authorities and administrations, this fund aims to strengthen and consolidate community conservation efforts in the DRC.
A participatory and inclusive approach:
One of the particularities of the IPLC Forest Facility is its participatory and inclusive approach. This fund offers local communities and indigenous peoples a central role in its governance. By facilitating their appropriation, it enables local actors to have a direct impact on forest conservation. Robust and simple procedures will be put in place for the allocation and monitoring of small grants, in order to facilitate the access of communities to this fund.
Pilot areas for national implementation:
The IPLC Forest Facility has a national ambition, with two specific pilot areas: Equateur Province and Eastern DRC. This choice makes it possible to concentrate conservation efforts in regions where forests are of crucial importance.
A commitment to the green economy:
The province of Equateur, chosen as one of the pilot areas, has already made the green economy a key vision for its development. It is fully committed to sustainable forest governance and the conservation of its forests. This collaboration with the Rainforest Foundation Norway reinforces the support of the provincial government in the implementation of this innovative project.
Conclusion :
The IPLC Forest Facility represents a significant advance in forest conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By empowering local communities and indigenous peoples to take direct action, this fund helps strengthen community conservation and preserve forest biodiversity. This initiative demonstrates the importance of collaboration between local actors and international organizations to ensure a sustainable future for our forests