Fatshimétrie, 07 October 2024 – The launch of the preparatory project for community conservation of biodiversity and vital resources in the context of climate change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) took place during a prestigious workshop in Fatshimétrie. This event marks a crucial step in contributing to the implementation of the global biodiversity framework.
During this major workshop, Danely Mitonga, Director at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, highlighted the importance of this project and thanked FAO for its indispensable support for this preparatory phase. She also welcomed the involvement of other partners, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in the sustainable management of natural resources.
Henri-Paul Eloma, Assistant Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), highlighted his organization’s support to the Congolese government in the development and submission of a concept note for this project. The main objective of the workshop was to mobilize all stakeholders and inform them about the process of preparing the full project document, in order to facilitate information exchanges and ensure common understanding.
Danely Mitonga also urged local communities and indigenous peoples to take ownership of this project, in line with the DRC’s international commitments on biodiversity. She highlighted the DRC’s upcoming participation in the 16th Conference of the Parties on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia, and the 29th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
The DRC is actively preparing for these international events, by aligning its positions on the issues of biological diversity and climate change. This preparation process takes place within the framework of the update of the DRC’s national biodiversity strategy and plan.
In conclusion, the launch of the preparatory project for biodiversity conservation in the DRC is a crucial step that marks the country’s commitment to preserving its environment and natural resources. The involvement of all stakeholders, from authorities to local communities, is essential to ensure the success of this project and contribute effectively to the protection of biodiversity in a context of climate change.