Title: IPLC Forest Facility in the DRC: A fund dedicated to the protection of forests and the autonomy of local communities
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to one of the largest reserves of biodiversity in the world, with forests of vital importance for the planet. With the aim of preserving these unique ecosystems and supporting the local communities that depend on them, Rainforest Foundation Norway launched the IPLC Forest Facility (IFF). This innovative fund aims to provide direct funding to projects of local communities and indigenous peoples, with the aim of strengthening the conservation and protection of high integrity forests.
An information workshop in Mbandaka:
From July 3 to 4, an information workshop on the implementation of the IPLC Forest Facility was organized in Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo. This city, located in the province of Equateur, is renowned for its rich forests and its proximity to local realities. The objective of the workshop was to raise local actors’ awareness of this new mechanism for accessing funds and to actively involve them in its governance.
A national ambition:
The IPLC Forest Facility has a national ambition in the DRC, but begins with the establishment of two pilot areas: the province of Equateur and the east of the country. This approach facilitates ownership of the fund by local communities and indigenous peoples, who will play a central role in its governance. Working closely with provincial and local authorities, the IPLC Forest Facility aims to promote community forestry, protected area management and land use planning.
Direct support for communities:
The fund will provide direct support for local community and indigenous peoples’ projects, thus helping to strengthen forest conservation and biodiversity preservation. Simple and innovative procedures will be put in place to facilitate the allocation and monitoring of small grants, thus allowing communities that wish to do so to access the funds. In addition, a focal point will be recruited at the landscape level to act as a liaison between the various actors.
Conclusion :
The IPLC Forest Facility represents a major opportunity for the Democratic Republic of Congo to strengthen the protection of its forests and to support local communities and indigenous peoples in their struggle to preserve their natural heritage. This innovative fund reflects the growing commitment to community conservation and the promotion of a green economy. Thanks to direct support and simplified procedures, the IPLC Forest Facility opens new perspectives for the preservation of biodiversity in the DRC