### Félix Tshisekedi’s Vision: A Forest Reserve at the Heart of Climate Challenges
On January 23, 2025, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, a major announcement by the Congolese Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi, caught the attention of the media and decision-makers: the creation of the “Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor”, which aims to establish the largest protected tropical forest reserve in the world. At first glance, this initiative seems like a step forward towards environmental preservation, but it also raises crucial questions about the economic and social viability of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the current context.
#### An Ambitious Response to Global Challenges
The project covers nearly 550,000 square kilometers and aims to protect areas crucial for biodiversity, encompassing 285,000 km² of primary forests. On a global scale, the Congo Basin is often referred to as the “second lung of the earth” after the Amazon, playing a vital role in global climate regulation. In this sense, the design of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor responds to the urgency of the climate crisis and aims to position the DRC as a key player on the international scene.
This approach echoes recent studies that reveal that deforestation, if left unchecked, could lead to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. In response to this threat, Tshisekedi speaks of the importance of conservation, while promising the creation of 500,000 jobs, including 20,000 for young people from the demobilization of armed groups. This promise demonstrates a desire to combine economic development and ecological preservation, but is it still based on solid foundations?
#### Economy and Environment in Tension
The Green Corridor initiative raises the question of the balance between environmental preservation and the need for economic development. Although the idea of an ecological corridor is attractive, it must be confronted with the realities on the ground. The DRC, rich in its 155 million hectares of forests, is also marked by social tensions, armed conflicts and a lagging economy. The daily Fatshimetrie underlines that the Congolese population only benefits from “crumbs” of conservation efforts, thus pointing to a dichotomy between Tshisekedi’s ambitions and the socio-economic reality of the country.
In addition, alarming statistics show that nearly 60% of the Congolese population lives below the poverty line. Such a disparity raises questions and concerns about the reserve’s ability to truly improve the daily lives of the Congolese. Sustainable development and economic inclusiveness are therefore not only desirable, but crucial to ensure the success of this initiative.
#### Towards an Inclusive Strategy: The Circular Economy Model
To achieve this ambition, the DRC could draw inspiration from the principles of the circular economy, which advocate the valorization of local resources while reducing environmental impact. For example, agroecology, integral reforestation and sustainable exploitation efforts should be integrated into the Green Corridor development model. Initiatives cited in various reports show that economies based on the sustainable exploitation of tropical forests can generate substantial income while preserving biodiversity.
Shifting to a green economy model, which incorporates renewable technologies and promotes alternative energies, can also offer an effective solution to free the DRC from dependence on destructive extractive practices. The example of Costa Rica, which has developed effective conservation policies while promoting ecotourism, could serve as inspiration in the design and implementation of the Corridor.
#### An Inevitable Political Dimension
This project cannot be dissociated from the political and social context of the country. Sustainable management of natural resources requires a strong commitment from the State, but also the active participation of local communities. The populations directly affected by the Corridor must be included in the decision-making process to ensure that their needs and concerns are heard. The establishment of a solid legal and institutional framework is also essential to guarantee transparency and the fight against corruption.
In conclusion, although the creation of the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor is a salutary initiative in the face of global environmental challenges, its success will depend above all on the DRC’s ability to translate these ambitions into concrete and sustainable actions, while integrating social and economic issues. The challenge is considerable, and it is time for the DRC to put an end to its past of predation of its resources by embracing a future where ecology rhymes with economy for the benefit of all Congolese.