The UK government recently announced £8 million in funding for the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) in Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative aims to expand existing work in the Tshopo region to combat deforestation and promote environmentally sustainable practices.
This crucial investment will help strengthen efforts to protect the Congo Basin rainforest, one of the most important ecosystems on the planet. By supporting sustainable agriculture, forestry and economic development initiatives in local communities, this funding aims to reduce reliance on activities that harm the forest.
In parallel, the fund will also promote environmental education and deepen climate research in Yangambi, to better understand the mechanisms and issues related to the Congo Basin. This is part of a broader vision of preserving biodiversity and supporting local communities to become advocates for their own environment.
At a recent science fair hosted by the British Embassy in the DRC, students from the University of Kinshasa showcased their research, highlighting the importance of this funding for developing skills and knowledge in the region. The UK Government’s commitment to science and environmental conservation in the Congo Basin demonstrates a local yet global approach to addressing current environmental challenges.
The UK Ambassador to the DRC, Alyson King, highlighted the importance of supporting forest communities to protect the Congo Basin forests while combating poverty. This funding is part of a long-term approach to supporting local communities in the sustainable management of their natural resources.
Professor Paolo Cerutti, Project Manager at Yangambi, welcomed the UK Government’s innovative approach to sustainable engagement and stressed the importance of working closely with local communities to ensure lasting results. This partnership between CIFOR and the UK government opens new perspectives for environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Congo Basin.
Ultimately, this funding represents a major step forward in protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices in a region that is critical to the ecological balance of the planet. It embodies the shared commitment to a more sustainable and harmonious future for future generations.