During the gathering in Kinshasa from March 19 to 21, 2024, a significant assembly addressed the pressing issue of organizing the IFF (Indigenous people and local communities Forest Facility) to secure international funding for supporting local sustainable forest management initiatives. The primary goal was to empower Indigenous peoples and local communities to become active agents of change rather than just passive recipients.
The meeting brought together over forty participants, including major networks of Indigenous peoples (IPs), environmental civil society organizations, government representatives, donors, and international NGOs. There was unanimous agreement on the necessity of establishing a direct and easily accessible financial mechanism to offer financial and technical assistance to forest communities.
Patrick Saïdi, the national coordinator of the DGPA (Dynamic of Indigenous Peoples Groups), underscored the significance of Indigenous populations’ traditional practices and knowledge in conservation endeavors. He emphasized the crucial role of direct funding in enhancing local initiatives and community development in a collective and autonomous manner.
Tørris Jæger, the executive director of the Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN), characterized the IFF as an innovative fund uniquely designed to provide financial and technical support in close proximity to communities and their representatives. The proposal to form a National Consultative Committee (NCC) to oversee the fund’s establishment and ensure its transparency and inclusivity was put forth.
Benjamin Toirambe, Secretary General for Environment and Sustainable Development, stressed the importance of empowering Indigenous peoples and local communities, while Keddy Bosulu, the REPALEF coordinator, emphasized the significance of community forestry and advancing Indigenous peoples’ rights through the IFF.
Participants also highlighted the pivotal role of rural women in conservation and local development. Dorothée Lisenga, the coordinator of the CFLEDD, emphasized women’s commitment to effectively managing the fund with the support of local organizations and the RFN.
Diel Mochire, an Indigenous peoples’ leader, accentuated the importance of sustainable development for community well-being, including the need for infrastructure in camps to improve accessibility and local product processing.
Nicaise Kingunya, the CDB focal point in the DRC, noted that the creation of the IFF would facilitate funding acquisition for safeguarding high-integrity forests, emphasizing the adherence to international obligations on biodiversity conservation.
In conclusion, the Kinshasa meeting marked a significant advancement in establishing the IFF. This innovative financial mechanism holds the promise of empowering local communities and Indigenous peoples in sustainable forest management, elevating their role as pivotal drivers of change. The subsequent steps, such as the formation of the NCC, underscore stakeholders’ dedication to realizing this strategic project for environmental protection and local development.
Additional relevant article link: [Read more](https://actualite.cd/2024/04/14/rdc-vers-la-creation-dun-fonds-innovant-pour-des-appuis-directs-aux-communautes-locales)