IPLC Forest Facility in the DRC: an innovative fund for the protection of forests and the well-being of local communities
Rainforest Foundation Norway recently organized an information workshop in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo, to present a new mechanism for accessing funds called IPLC Forest Facility (IFF). This fund aims to support local communities and indigenous peoples in the protection of high integrity forests.
The workshop took place from July 3 to 4 and brought together many actors from the province of Equateur, known for its forest wealth. The IPLC Forest Facility aims to strengthen and consolidate community conservation by providing direct support to projects related to community forestry, protected area management and land use planning. Provincial and local authorities will be closely involved in the governance of the fund.
As part of this project, simple and innovative procedures will be put in place to facilitate local communities’ access to funding. A focal point will also be designated at the landscape level to ensure good coordination between the different stakeholders.
This fund represents a unique opportunity for local communities and indigenous peoples to actively contribute to the preservation of forests and biodiversity in the DRC. It also demonstrates the commitment of the provincial government of Ecuador to a green economy and sustainable forest governance.
The IFF is an ambitious project that aims to support conservation initiatives led by local communities, while guaranteeing their autonomy and decision-making. By giving communities the means to preserve their forests, this fund will contribute to the fight against deforestation and the protection of biodiversity in the DRC.
The implementation of the IPLC Forest Facility is eagerly awaited by the participants of the workshop, who hope to see the first concrete results of this innovative project soon. This fund represents a real opportunity for the DRC to reconcile economic development and preservation of its forest heritage.
In conclusion, the IPLC Forest Facility in the DRC offers a new approach to conservation by empowering local communities to take action and protect their natural resources. This fund represents an important step towards sustainable forest management in the DRC and demonstrates Rainforest Foundation Norway’s commitment to protecting the environment and the well-being of local populations