### awareness of forest management in Muanda: a step towards sustainability or an unfinished promise?
On June 17, 2025, the city of Muanda, in the province of Kongo Central in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), experienced a mobilization of local actors around environmental issues, in particular forest management. Under the aegis of Assani Ongala Hassan, Acting Managing Director of the National Forest Fund (FFN), this initiative aimed to arouse consciences on the Crucial Missions of the FFN, which include the financing of reforestation operations and forest management. This approach raises essential questions about the country’s commitment to environmental sustainability, and on the challenges that remain to be met.
### Reforestation and forest management: an essential issue
The DRC has the second largest tropical forest in the world, a vital ecosystem with climate regulation and biodiversity. However, this wealth is regularly threatened by human activities, including illegal forest exploitation and unsustainable agriculture. In this sense, the role of the FFN is fundamental, both for support for reforestation and for improving the legality of exports of forest products. This is evidenced by Ons’ visit to the port of ‘Bakuyanga’, stressing the importance of transparency and regulation of wood -related activities.
However, many questions remain concerning the real effectiveness of the FFN and the application of funds intended for reforestation. How do you ensure that the projects supported by the FFN meet the real needs of local communities and the ecosystem? It is crucial that appropriate follow -up measures are set up to assess the progress made.
### Coming interinstitutional collaboration: a glaring need
During this mission, Mr. Ongala also approached with customs representatives and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) the prospects for collaboration. This interconnection is essential, because an integrated approach could make it possible to fill the gaps that permeabilize the legal and operational environment of forest management in the region. It would be relevant to assess how these entities can better associate to optimize the reforestation and ecosystem conservation efforts, such as the mangroves marine park, already in danger.
Can we hope for a constructive and continuous dialogue between these different authorities? The implementation of a clear and effective communication framework would be beneficial to coordinate actions and maximize their impact in the field.
#### The future of threatened ecosystems: towards a lasting change?
The discussion around the financing of the restoration of ecosystems in danger is both a priority and a major challenge. The proposal made by M. Ongala concerning the support of the FFN for the rehabilitation of mangroves is an example of the spirit of initiative which could open the way to lasting solutions for conservation. This also raises questions about action priorities: how to guarantee that funding is oriented towards projects with a measurable impact on ecosystems and local populations?
In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the awareness and training of local communities on the importance of forests and marine ecosystems, in order to promote a better understanding and participation of citizens in conservation programs.
#### Conclusion: a commitment to materialize
The awareness of the population of Muanda on FFN’s missions is a first step towards a collective awareness of environmental issues. However, the true effectiveness of these initiatives will depend on their sustainable implementation and the real commitment of the institutions concerned to work in synergy. The challenges to be met in the region are gigantic, but concertation between public, private and local communities could be the key to sustainable forest management and a more environmentally friendly future.
In short, the success of this company is based on an open and constructive dialogue, as well as on a shared desire to preserve the natural richness of the DRC for future generations.