The “landscape for our future” program managed by CIFOR-ICRAF in Yangambi in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a laudable initiative that deserves our full attention. This initiative funded by the European Union aims to reconcile local development with the preservation of the region’s forest ecosystems using integrated approaches such as sustainable forestry and agroforestry.
The results already obtained in Yangambi are encouraging. Thanks to this program, 3,500 hectares of degraded land have been restored, offering new hope for environmental protection and support for local biodiversity. In addition, this initiative enabled the training of 270 master’s and doctoral students in sustainable forest management, thus contributing to the building of crucial local expertise for the conservation of natural resources.
But that’s not all. The program also promoted the creation of local jobs, notably through the establishment of community forests and wildlife conservation programs. The supply of charcoal from community forests to the city of Kisangani has reduced pressure on primary forests and promoted sustainable use of natural resources.
In addition, supporting communities in alternative activities such as beekeeping, reforestation and the development of community forests has opened up new economic prospects, while promoting sustainable management of natural resources. The establishment of improved kilns for charcoal production and the development of value chains in key sectors such as fish farming and agriculture have helped to strengthen food security and diversify sources of income for local populations. .
In addition, the installation of a flow tower in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, making it possible to measure the exchange of greenhouse gases between the forest and the atmosphere, represents a significant advance in monitoring the environmental impact of human activities.
In conclusion, the “landscape for our future” program represents a successful model of collaboration between local actors, international organizations and government authorities to promote sustainable development and environmental conservation in Central Africa. Lessons learned in Yangambi could serve as inspiration for other similar initiatives in the region and beyond, helping to build a more sustainable future for future generations.