### Environmental awareness in Mbandaka: a new generation committed to the planet
On February 21, 2025, the EDAP/ISP school in Mbandaka, located in the heart of the province of Ecuador in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was the scene of a significant event that took the form of a workshop of environmental awareness, orchestrated by the devoted voluntary of Greenpeace Africa. This event not only vibrated the school walls, but also sowed a seed of engagement and awareness among students, a generation of young people who are at the crossroads between tradition and modernity.
### A unique framework for an educational approach
The tropical forests of the DRC, often described as “lungs of the planet”, house invaluable biodiversity. However, they are threatened by human activities, such as deforestation and illegal logging. In this context, awareness of young people is crucial. Greenpeace’s initiative goes beyond a simple presentation of slides; It aims to initiate a dialogue, to awaken consciences on a problem that goes beyond local borders.
Esther Bakanda, speaker at the workshop, played a key role in this mission. His presentation on the interconnection between deforestation and climate change allowed students to understand not only the current situation, but also the potential repercussions on their future and that of future generations. The importance of educating young people on this subject is illustrated by studies that show that young people ‘commitment to environmental initiatives can lead to significant changes in community -scale behavior.
### A model to follow: environmental education in figures
Statistics show that young people who benefit from environmental education are more likely to adopt lasting behavior. According to a UNESCO study, students exposed to this type programs are 60% more likely to participate in environmental activities. This highlights the importance of initiatives such as that of Greenpeace Africa, which, by making education accessible and engaging, makes it possible to transform mentalities and create ecological ambassadors.
In addition, in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the culture of environmental preservation is still under construction, such workshops offer a springboard for the future. Young people, as a change actors, are called upon to be both models and leaders in their villages and communities.
### Local impact: Long -term vision and cultural differences
Beyond the boundaries of awareness, it is essential to consider the local impact of such initiatives. The DRC is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, representing a fundamental aspect of natural resources management. The practice of agroforestry, for example, could be a relevant subject to explore during future workshops. By integrating local cultural practices, such as forest management traditions in certain Pygmy, Greenpeace communities and other organizations could strengthen the message of preservation and balance between nature and humans.
A study by WWF revealed that involving local populations in forest management could reduce deforestation up to 30%. This underlines the importance of an education which is not only academic, but which is also anchored in the daily reality of students and their families.
### In conclusion: a hybrid of education and action
Environmental awareness at the EDAP/ISP school in Mbandaka is much more than a simple series of workshops. It represents a transformative initiative carried by a vision of the future. Young people, by learning now the importance of their environment, will be able to contribute to the construction of a more sustainable society.
This early commitment, associated with local practices integrated into education, could become a model for other schools through the DRC. The fight against climate change is not only the case of politicians and governments; It begins in the places where young people live, learn and dream. A sustainable future can be imagined, provided that education, action and the community come together to create a real environmental awareness within new generations.
Through actions like this, we can hope that Mbandaka will become an epicenter of change for forest protection and, by extension, of the planet. To learn more about environmental initiatives in the DRC, readers can consult Fatshimetrie.org, which covers these issues exhaustively.