Title: Granting real estate titles to pygmies to facilitate their survival
Introduction :
The provincial government of South Kivu recently took an important step to ensure the protection and survival of the indigenous Pygmy populations. Indeed, real estate titles were given to them, thus offering them a clean and secure space of land. This initiative was possible thanks to the collaboration between the government, chiefdom chiefs, partners and organizations working to promote the rights of indigenous peoples. In this article, we will explore in detail the context of this action and the implications it may have for pygmies.
The context of the granting of real estate titles:
The handing over of real estate titles to the pygmies is part of the protection of the Kahuzi Biega National Park (PNKB) concession. In agreement with the Congolese government, indigenous peoples and partners, this measure aims to limit the exploitation of the park concession by pygmies. The provincial minister of urban planning and land affairs, Jérémie Bisimane, underlined that this initiative will allow the pygmies to renounce the exploitation of the park concession and ensure their survival in a more sustainable way.
The implications of granting real estate titles:
The handing over of real estate titles to the pygmies is of paramount importance. On the one hand, it provides them with land security, allowing them to have a space of their own land on which they can settle and develop their activities. This constitutes an important step towards the recognition of their rights and their cultural identity. On the other hand, this measure also aims to preserve the Kahuzi Biega National Park by limiting the exploitation of its concession by the pygmies. By providing a viable alternative to the pygmies, the government hopes to preserve the park’s biodiversity and protect the endangered species that reside there.
Future prospects:
The handing over of real estate titles to the pygmies in the territory of Kabare is a first step. The provincial minister of town planning and land affairs has announced that other land will be discovered and identified to guarantee the tenure security of pygmies in other regions. It is important to emphasize that these commitments must be honored and that concrete measures must be put in place to ensure the protection of pygmies in the long term.
Conclusion :
The granting of real estate titles to pygmies in South Kivu is a significant step forward in the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and the preservation of biodiversity. This initiative allows the pygmies to have a clean and secure space of land for their survival and contributes to limiting the exploitation of the Kahuzi Biega National Park concession.. It is essential that this action continues in other regions and that concrete measures are taken to guarantee the tenure security of pygmies throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo