This week, Monday October 14, a ceremony brought together the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo and representatives of the World Bank for the official launch of a forest management project. Financed to the tune of $300 million by the World Bank, the “ Investment program for forest and savannah restoration » is supported by the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development. After a long period of preparation, the program is finally launched, and field activities are expected to begin in the coming month.
2 mins
This ” Investment program for forest and savannah restoration » aims to improve land use planning and management of forest landscapes in seven provinces of the country. Clément Vangu Lutete, program coordinator, highlights two actions: “ On the one hand, the production of tree plantations, agroforestry and reforestation, and on the other hand, the protection and conservation of savannahs as well as the preservation of primary forests. »
The coordinator assures us that this plan must involve local communities, particularly through the development of value chains. “ We will help communities to locally process their agricultural products, give them added value and market them », specifies Clément Vangu Lutete. “ The project will also connect production areas to markets. »
Also listenDRC: the sale of carbon credits, help for the preservation of forests?
Payments for environmental services
Another benefit promised to local populations: the establishment of payments for services environmental as part of the protection of forests and savannahs. Junior Tchiteya, climate economy entrepreneur, welcomes funding “ based on results “. “ This funding will support actions whose results will be quantified and which the government will be able to promote on the international carbon market. “, he explains.
The majority of funds, $290 million, are allocated in the form of concessional loans from the World Bank.
Also readIn eastern DRC, deforestation, main cause of deadly floods