Category: Ecology

The article highlights the discussions that took place between community forestry actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of these discussions was to find profitable options for forest concessions for the benefit of local communities. Profitable activities mentioned include artisanal timber harvesting, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, food crops and fishing. The article also highlights the importance of providing technical support to communities and building their capacity. Although community forestry in the DRC is still experimental, this meeting allowed to share good practices and develop sustainable management plans for forest resources. The final objective is to improve the living conditions of the communities while preserving the environment.

IGAD and FAO have formed a partnership with the aim of promoting sustainable agriculture in East Africa. The aim is to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and boost local economies. Key actions of this collaboration include developing sustainable farming and fishing practices, supporting resource-dependent communities, promoting inter-regional trade, and analyzing data for informed decisions. This initiative aims to create resilient agri-food systems to feed people while preserving the environment.

PEJAB, a Belgian-funded project aimed at mentoring and training young people in agriculture to reduce unemployment in Bas-Congo, is looking for incubators with innovative ideas for its 7 accommodation centres. Young people with farming and business projects in the agricultural sector will benefit from personalized support for the implementation of their project. The agricultural sector presents many opportunities for job creation and economic development. For more information, see their website.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning of the DRC, Judith Suminwa, participated in the 58th Annual Assembly of the African Development Bank (ADB) and the 49th Annual Assembly of the African Development Fund (ADF) in Egypt. In her speech, she highlighted the contribution of the DRC to the fight against climate change, in particular through its tropical forests and peatlands. She also advocated for the mobilization of funding and increased investment in renewable energy projects. The DRC is committed to sustainable economic development and appears to be on track to play a key role in Africa’s development.

IGAD and FAO have formed a partnership with the aim of promoting sustainable agriculture in East Africa. The aim is to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and boost local economies. Key actions of this collaboration include developing sustainable farming and fishing practices, supporting resource-dependent communities, promoting inter-regional trade, and analyzing data for informed decisions. This initiative aims to create resilient agri-food systems to feed people while preserving the environment.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi takes part in the Summit of Heads of State signatories to the Amazon Pact, organized by Brazilian President Lula. This summit highlights the need to preserve the ecosystem of the Amazon as well as the Congo Basin, the second largest tropical forest reservoir in the world. The protection of biodiversity, the fight against illegal deforestation and international cooperation are key issues addressed during this meeting. In addition, an upcoming summit on large tropical forests is planned in Kinshasa and will bring together the countries of Brazil, Indonesia and the DRC. This demonstrates the growing importance attached to the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi takes part in the Summit of Heads of State signatories to the Amazon Pact, organized by Brazilian President Lula. This summit highlights the need to preserve the ecosystem of the Amazon as well as the Congo Basin, the second largest tropical forest reservoir in the world. The protection of biodiversity, the fight against illegal deforestation and international cooperation are key issues addressed during this meeting. In addition, an upcoming summit on large tropical forests is planned in Kinshasa and will bring together the countries of Brazil, Indonesia and the DRC. This demonstrates the growing importance attached to the preservation of the environment and the fight against climate change.

The Games of La Francophonie Kinshasa 2023 are committed to fighting plastic pollution through the efforts of the National Games Committee. Sustainable Development and Tourism Commission Supervisor John Katumba works tirelessly to keep the Games venues clean. Its team cleans, disinsects and educates the public on the importance of taking care of the environment. This commitment shows that sport can be a driver of change in the transition to a circular economy. The Games of La Francophonie will mark the spirits as a sporting event committed to the protection of the environment.

A collective of local NGOs in Kousséri, Cameroon, has set up a system for collecting and transforming plastic waste into ecological cobblestones to fight against the proliferation of plastic waste. The city does not have a rubbish collection company, which has led to a buildup of plastic on the streets. Plastic waste is collected in the arteries of the city, then transported to a paving stone manufacturing unit where it is sorted and transformed. This initiative reduces plastic pollution and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. The NGO collective wishes to extend this activity to other regions of the country and to neighboring countries. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of local actors in the fight against plastic pollution and shows that it is possible to find creative and sustainable solutions to preserve our environment.