The Strategic and Monitoring Committee of the DESIRA project, aimed at promoting climate neutrality, conservation and the green economy in the territories of Lomela and Lodja in the province of Sankuru, recently validated the activity reports for 2024 and the work plan for 2025. This validation took place during an ordinary session in Kinshasa on December 16, 2024.
During this meeting, the various stakeholders assessed the implementation of the recommendations from the previous sessions. Overall, all recommendations were followed, with the exception of one concerning the establishment of the latex distribution market.
Chaffra Yabi, DESIRA project manager at Enabel, stressed the importance of this work plan for the coming year. The latter provides for various actions aimed at supporting the rubber sector in the targeted territories, such as the establishment of a viable economic model and new plantations.
The key actions planned for 2025 include continuing to mobilize opportunities for a sustainable economic model, creating new rubber plantations to replace old ones, as well as lobbying for better infrastructure and tax incentives for the private actors concerned.
For his part, the Administrator of Lodja, Mr. François Muledi, welcomed the progress of the project in his province. He highlighted the positive impact on youth employment and the reduction in delinquency resulting from the implementation of DESIRA.
Initiated by the European Union, the DESIRA project aims to support the province of Sankuru in the development of the rubber sector, the promotion of agro-ecology and the sustainable management of natural resources. Funded to the tune of 4.5 million euros over a period of 4 years, the project is actively involved in the region to promote sustainable economic and environmental development.
By mobilizing local stakeholders, promoting youth employment and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, DESIRA is establishing itself as a model project for the positive transformation of rural areas in Sankuru province.