**Fatshimetrie: a Local Basket Fund for the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change in South Kivu**
In a global context marked by major environmental challenges, the province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo has decided to take concrete measures to promote the conservation of biodiversity and fight against climate change. The active forces of the region, in particular the environmental and Agro-Rural civil society of Congo (SOCEARUCO), the Consortium of Brave Women of Congo (CBFC), the Office of Coordination of Civil Society Forces Vives of South Kivu (BCSC) and the Congo Business Federation (FEC), joined forces to set up the Local Basket Fund.
This local fund aims to encourage the private sector as well as any person of good will to contribute financially to initiatives aimed at the preservation of biodiversity, the restoration of ecosystems, waste management, the prevention of natural disasters and the fight against against climate change. Thanks to the support of WWF-DRC, this project is part of the broader framework of the “Leading Change” program, which aims to raise awareness among local stakeholders of the importance of environmental protection.
The Local Basket Fund initiative takes on a particular dimension, in that it constitutes a vector of peace and social cohesion in the South Kivu region. Indeed, by encouraging the commitment of the private sector and civil society in favor of biodiversity and the climate, this fund contributes to strengthening the solidarity and responsibility of everyone with regard to the major environmental issues facing the planet. confronted.
According to Josué Aruna, president of environmental civil society, this initiative represents a significant step forward for the province of South Kivu and for the DRC as a whole. By involving local actors in the mobilization of private funds, the Local Basket Fund not only strengthens the country’s image on the international scene, but also promotes a participatory and sustainable approach to environmental protection.
The financial support from the Swedish Development Agency and the Peace Nexus Foundation demonstrates the international recognition of this type of mechanism, which aims to raise awareness and mobilize the private sector in favor of sustainable development. Indeed, during COP 15 in Montreal, it was decided to promote the commitment of businesses in the fight against climate change, and the Local Basket Fund is fully part of this dynamic.
For the provincial authorities of South Kivu, this process of mobilizing local actors is of capital importance to raise awareness among the population about environmental issues and promote collective awareness.. By encouraging economic operators and people of good will to commit to protecting biodiversity, the government hopes to create the conditions for harmonious and sustainable development for all.
In conclusion, the Local Basket Fund represents a major step forward for the province of South Kivu and for the DRC as a whole. By encouraging the commitment of the private sector and civil society to the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change, this fund contributes to strengthening collective responsibility in environmental matters and promoting sustainable development for generations. future.