Meeting of the General States of Forests in the DRC: towards an improvement in forest governance
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently announced the organization of the meetings of the States General of Forests, which will be held from January 18 to 22, 2024. This initiative aims to formulate recommendations aimed at strengthening forest governance and increasing the contribution of the forestry sector to the national economy, as well as to fight against poverty and the harmful effects of climate change.
However, certain environmental civil society organizations, such as those who are members of the Renovated REDD Climate Working Group (GTCRR), have called for a boycott of these meetings due to non-compliance with certain prerequisites linked to their organization. Before addressing these prerequisites, it is important to understand the importance of the general conditions of the Congo Basin forests.
The Congo Basin is home to one of the world’s largest tropical forests, which plays a vital role in regulating the climate, preserving biodiversity and providing essential natural resources. The General States of Forests therefore make it possible to bring together key players in the forestry sector, such as government representatives, civil society organizations and local communities, in order to discuss issues related to sustainable forest management and to find solutions. concerted solutions.
Now, let’s move on to the prerequisites that should be met before holding these meetings. According to the REDD+ Climate Working Group, it is essential that the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples are respected and taken into account in decision-making. In addition, it is necessary to ensure transparency, the effective participation of all stakeholders concerned and the implementation of accountability mechanisms.
In addition, environmental criteria must be strictly applied to guarantee the protection of forest ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity. It is also essential to adopt effective measures to combat deforestation and illegal activities linked to logging.
In conclusion, the meetings of the General States of Forests of the DRC are an essential initiative to strengthen sustainable forest management and promote the socio-economic development of the country. However, it is crucial to respond to the prerequisites raised by civil society organizations, in order to guarantee inclusive, transparent participation and respect for the rights of local communities. Only in this way can we hope for a better future for the forests of the DRC and for the entire planet.