Category: Ecology

Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have renewed their partnership within the framework of the “Agenda for Agricultural Transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ATA-DRC)” program. This partnership aims to improve agricultural productivity and promote food self-sufficiency by working together to provide Congolese farmers with quality seeds. The ATA-RDC program, supported by IITA, also benefits from the technical assistance of the African Institute for Agricultural Leadership (AALI). PHC, as the largest producer of palm oil in the DRC, contributes not only to local economic development, but also to the social development of local communities by investing in infrastructure such as hospitals and schools. This partnership illustrates the importance of collaboration between the private sector and research institutions to promote agricultural development and improve the living conditions of Congolese farmers.

During the 2023 edition of DRC Mining Week in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) received a recognition award for its outstanding performance in several areas, including compliance with the highest international standards in mining management. environment, health and safety at work, as well as the signing of a five-year agreement with the local community. TFM also actively participated in the event, while highlighting the challenges of the mining sector. This award recognizes the achievements of the Congolese mining sector and the exceptional performance of TFM.

Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM) has launched an annual program to assess the prevalence of malaria in schools in its concession located in the health zone of Fungurume in the DRC. More than 3,000 students participated in the school malaria prevalence survey. The selected students are subjected to a rapid diagnostic test as well as a free medical consultation. In the event of a positive diagnosis, the parents are made aware and the child is prescribed an antimalarial treatment. This initiative contributes to the fight against school absenteeism and makes parents aware of the importance of measures to prevent and fight against malaria. The World Bank has also allocated 100 million dollars to the province of Kasai Central to fight against erosion and the risk of flooding threatening the town of Kananga and the local populations.

The World Bank has allocated $100 million as part of the Kananga Urban Emergency and Resilience Project (PURUK) to fight against the erosion that threatens the city of Kananga and the province of Kasai Central in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The works include the construction of large collectors, the planting of anti-erosion plants and the stabilization of the embankments. This emergency initiative will save the city of Kananga from possible total isolation in the event of a cut in the RN1 and the railway line. The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, visited the construction sites in progress and will deliver a speech on his commitment to the pacification and unity of the country during his stay in Mbuji-Mayi.

President Félix Tshisekedi launched erosion control works in Kananga, for an amount of 100 million dollars financed by the World Bank. The work will consist of the construction of large collectors, the stability of the embankments and the planting of anti-erosion plants. This project is essential for the preservation of the environment and the social and economic development of the Greater Kasai region.

A new tragedy has shaken the city of Beni, in the DRC, with the discovery of the lifeless body of Katembo Kanzoa. According to the police, he was attacked by wasps when he tried to dislodge them, and died of asphyxiation following the stings. The inhabitants are in shock and cases of attacks by aggressive insects are frequent in the region. This tragedy, added to political tensions and threats from militias, has plunged the DRC into mourning. The investigation is continuing to determine the exact circumstances of the victim’s death.

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has launched work to combat erosion in Kanana, capital of Kasaï Central. This work, financed by the World Bank to the tune of 100 million US dollars, will save the city of Kananga and the province from potential isolation in the event of a cut in the RN1 and the railway line leading to Greater Katanga. The works consist of the construction of large collectors and the planting of anti-erosion plants on several sites. The Vice-President of the World Bank, Victoria Kwakwa, underlined the impact of this work in the region as well as its addition to the projects of community interest financed by the World Bank group in the Greater Kasai area. This action once again shows the support of the World Bank for the development of the country and the actions of the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi in favor of the development of the region.

The World Bank meets with the Head of State of the DRC to discuss the progress of the partnership projects for 2022-2026. However, the situation of insecurity due to armed conflicts makes it difficult to stabilize and develop the country. Administrators of the Virunga and Garamba parks also met with the Head of State to discuss insecurity in these protected areas, where eco-guards are at risk from armed groups. Their protection is necessary to guarantee the preservation of the fauna and flora as well as the surrounding communities.