Hot News: Pygmies in South Kivu receive land titles to ensure their survival
The provincial government of South Kivu recently undertook a significant initiative by handing over land titles in Kabare territory to the pygmies of the region. This action aims to guarantee a space of clean land for the survival of this indigenous community.
This process was facilitated by organizations dedicated to promoting the rights of indigenous peoples and is part of the protection of the Kahuzi Biega National Park (PNKB) concession.
Jérémie Bisimane, provincial minister of town planning and land affairs, explains that the granting of real estate titles to the pygmies aims to dissuade them from exploiting the Kahuzi Biega national park concession. A certificate securing 4 hectares of land has been given to the indigenous people, and other lands will also be allocated in the future.
This initiative reflects the provincial government’s commitment to protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and preserving the environment. By giving pygmies legal access to land, the government encourages them to consider alternative sustainable livelihoods, while maintaining the integrity of the national park. This is an important step towards the recognition and inclusion of indigenous peoples in decision-making and the management of natural resources.
The granting of real estate titles to the pygmies of South Kivu demonstrates the growing importance given to the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also paves the way for other similar initiatives in other parts of the country, helping to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for all Congolese indigenous communities