The partnership agreement for the new climate economy signed between members of the Congolese government and donors during COP 28 in Dubai raises serious questions. Civil society organizations called for transparency in the use of allocated funds, estimated at $62 million. These funds aim to support the conservation of key areas for biodiversity in the DRC.
One of the major concerns of environmental activists concerns the potential contradiction between the protection of natural areas and the oil exploitation planned in these same regions. Indeed, oil blocks are located in areas of high biological importance, endangering the environmental balance.
The lack of transparency regarding the specific clauses of this agreement raises concerns about the true scope of the actions to be implemented. In addition, the proposed sale of oil and gas blocks continues to fuel debates on the future of the DRC’s fragile ecosystems.
Calls for more ethical management of allocated funds, taking into account the interests of local and indigenous communities dependent on natural resources, are increasing. It becomes imperative for the government to clarify its environmental policy and its future actions to ensure sustainable development that meets the needs of local populations.
The importance of protecting these key areas for biodiversity and preserving ecological balance cannot be ignored for the benefit of short-term economic interests. Current climate and environmental issues require strong and coherent measures to guarantee a sustainable future for the DRC and its inhabitants.