An initiative by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) and the Virunga National Park has led to the planting of 1,500 hectares of trees in the province of North Kivu, which is suffering from global warming and armed conflict.
World Environment Day was celebrated around the world on 5 June 2024 with a series of ecological activities. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the event was used as a pretext for a reforestation operation in North Kivu. The province, which is the scene of clashes between the regular army and the M23 rebels, is also threatened by global warming.
Faced with this situation, the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) and the Virunga National Park (PNVI) have planted 1,500 hectares of trees on this natural site and on the rest of the territory of North Kivu, in order to restore attractiveness, improve air quality and protect the soil. The trees should also provide a habitat for local wildlife.
“This is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates our commitment to fighting climate change. Every tree is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can make a difference by protecting the environment, the place in which we live”, explains ICCN spokesman Bienvenu Bwende.
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The DRC is one of the African countries where civil society organisations (CSOs) are at the forefront of efforts to preserve terrestrial ecosystems. Just a few months ago, a dozen associations launched the Tujenge (let’s build in Swahili) project, which aims to strengthen economic and climatic resilience in the town of Béni. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with Mercy Corps, will supply solar-powered ecological ovens to local people, who are largely dependent on wood cutting (deforestation) for cooking.
Benoit-Ivan Wansi
