La Democratic Republic of Congo has officially launched the “Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor,” an innovative protected area designed to integrate biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation, and socio-economic development. This ambitious project, covering over 100,000 square kilometers of primary forests, was established by decree No. 25/01 signed on January 15, 2025, by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, in response to a decision made by the Council of Ministers on November 1, 2024.
Creating a Sustainable Future
The Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor aims to transform areas destabilized by decades of conflict into hubs of economic and environmental growth. Stretching from Beni to Kinshasa, it traverses strategic territories such as National Road No. 4 connecting Beni to Kisangani and the Congo River basin up to Kinshasa. The initiative focuses on preserving vast expanses of primary forests while fostering a green economy through activities like sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, and ecosystem restoration.
Community Collaboration for Conservation
This project builds on a collaborative model proven successful in the North of Beni and the South of Ituri, where the combined efforts of local communities, the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), the Virunga Foundation, and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) have stabilized certain areas. Inspired by these positive outcomes, the government aims to scale up this model nationally.
Preservation for a Sustainable Future
The first phase of implementation will focus on creating essential infrastructure for natural resource management, rehabilitating degraded areas, and supporting local populations. This stage will also include mechanisms to reduce tensions related to access to natural resources while generating employment opportunities in the regions concerned.
During his address to the diplomatic corps on January 18, 2025, Félix Tshisekedi emphasized that the Green Corridor reflects the DRC’s position as a “Solution Country” in the fight against climate change. “We play a central role in preserving the planet’s second ecological lung, and we assert that our conservation efforts must be equally supported by the international community,” stated the head of state.
The project aims to protect nearly 100,000 square kilometers of primary forests, making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change. Simultaneously, it seeks to create a strategic corridor facilitating the socio-economic development of the provinces involved, particularly through sustainable utilization of natural resources. By actively involving local communities – especially youth and women – the Green Corridor aims to provide concrete alternatives to the war economy that has long prevailed in these regions.
President Tshisekedi stressed the importance of a balanced approach, stating that environmental preservation efforts should not come at the expense of local populations. He called for international partnerships based on fair compensation for the environmental services the DRC provides to humanity. By turning climate, conflict, and poverty challenges into opportunities, the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor embodies an integrated response to the country’s needs.
