The historic meeting of the PIFORES National Steering Committee held in Kinshasa in November 2024 marked a crucial step in the fight against deforestation and the restoration of ecosystems in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the leadership of the Forest Investment Program Coordination Unit, COPIL members endorsed the Annual Work Plan and Budget for the 2025 financial year, demonstrating their commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
This innovative program, PIFORES, is distinguished by its holistic approach that integrates local communities into the management of forest and land resources, thus offering sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges facing the country. By promoting the revitalization of degraded forests and the creation of new economic opportunities, PIFORES is part of a global approach aimed at ensuring the sustainability of actions undertaken on the ground.
The specificity of PIFORES also lies in its desire to promote innovative approaches to land management and property rights, by adopting a logic of promoting the value chains of agriculture, wood and firewood. By emphasizing the inclusion of local communities and promoting a decentralized approach, the program aims to strengthen the climate resilience of forest ecosystems and the biodiversity and agriculture sectors.
The commitment of the Congolese authorities to PIFORES is also reflected in their support for the National Adaptation Plan, highlighting the priority given to the fight against climate change and the preservation of the country’s natural capital. Based on the recommendations of the National REDD+ Strategy and its Investment Plan, the Congolese government intends to mobilize the necessary resources to ensure the effective implementation of the program, in close collaboration with local and international stakeholders.
The establishment of PIFORES Provincial Steering Committees, chaired by provincial governors and supported by local authorities, demonstrates the importance given to a participatory and inclusive approach in the management of this ambitious program. This approach, based on consultation and cooperation between all stakeholders, is a guarantee of success for PIFORES and paves the way for concrete and sustainable actions in favor of environmental preservation in the DRC.
In conclusion, the meeting of the PIFORES National Steering Committee in Kinshasa in 2024 was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of national stakeholders to forest protection and ecosystem restorationBy adopting an innovative and inclusive approach, the program positions itself as an essential lever to combat deforestation, promote sustainable development and improve the living conditions of local populations.