Fatshimetrie, the online magazine dedicated to the environment and sustainable development, recently covered one of the most significant sessions of the second Congo Basin Regional Forum held in Kinshasa. At the heart of the discussions were projects related to the forest carbon credit market and the protection of the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples (IPLC), a crucial theme in the current context of the fight against climate change.
During this meeting, Roch Eloge Nzobo, moderator of the panel and coordinator of the Cercle des droits de l’homme et de développement (CDHD), raised essential questions about the way in which these projects are implemented and the impact they can have on local populations. In particular, he highlighted the lack of consultation with communities, their inability to negotiate with project developers and the absence of equitable sharing of benefits.
Forest carbon, a central concept of the discussions, was explained as a key element in the fight against climate change, thanks to the capacity of forests to capture carbon and regulate the climate. By promoting carbon sequestration and forest preservation, these projects contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating economic benefits.
However, despite the potential benefits of these initiatives, it is crucial to ensure that the rights of local and indigenous populations are respected. It is imperative to grant them genuine consultation, strengthen their negotiation capacities and ensure that they benefit equitably from the benefits of these projects.
Ultimately, protecting forests and community rights must go hand in hand to ensure a transition to a sustainable and inclusive development model. The challenge lies in implementing these projects in a transparent and equitable manner, while ensuring that local populations are central actors in this process.
Fatshimetrie will continue to closely monitor the evolution of these crucial issues and promote an environmentally and human rights-friendly approach to natural resource management.