Title: Community forestry in DR Congo: between challenges and untapped potential
Introduction :
In the province of Tshopo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the eighth provincial round table on community forestry is currently taking place. This initiative aims to promote the creation and development of forest concessions by local communities. Despite the exceptional forestry potential of the region, community forestry is struggling to develop. This article examines the challenges it faces and the opportunities it offers.
Considerable forestry potential:
The Tshopo is home to nearly 19.8 million hectares of natural forests, representing 93.5% of its area. This wealth of biodiversity offers many development opportunities for local communities and indigenous peoples. However, despite the first attempts at engagement more than ten years ago and an experimental phase in place since 2018, only three Local Community Forest Concessions (CFCL) have been awarded in the province. Moreover, none of these concessions has yet validated its simple management plan.
Challenges to overcome:
Beyond the untapped potential, several challenges hinder the development of community forestry in Tshopo. The administrative slowness in processing applications, the lack of technical and financial resources, as well as inter-community land disputes, are all obstacles that slow down the process. In addition, influence peddling and irregularities in the processing of files undermine the credibility of this approach to forest management.
Necessary changes:
Delegates from local communities, supporting organizations and technical and financial partners meet during this round table to share their experiences and find solutions. It is crucial that local authorities actively support this process by speeding up the processing of applications and facilitating community outreach. In addition, it is essential to improve the training and information of the actors involved in order to strengthen community forestry.
Conclusion :
Community forestry in the DR Congo has considerable potential for the sustainable development of local communities and the preservation of biodiversity. However, many challenges must be overcome to promote its expansion. By raising awareness, facilitating administrative procedures and providing adequate technical and financial support, it is possible to create an enabling environment for community forestry in Tshopo and throughout the country