August 16, 2025 – In Kasenyi, located in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, communities living along the shores of Lake Albert face dual pressures: the need to preserve their traditional livelihoods—primarily fishing—and the growing threats posed by fossil fuel exploitation projects. In this context, the initiative for the mobilization and consultation of local defenders of biodiversity and livelihoods, organized by ACEDH with the support of the Federation of Lake Albert Fisher Committees (FECOPELA), represents an essential step.
The initiative aims to strengthen local community participation in decision-making processes, especially those related to the preservation of their natural environment and the sustainable management of their resources. By giving a voice to fishers, women, youth, and village elders, the activity allows for the collection of valuable local knowledge and the expression of concerns directly from the field.
The potential negative impacts of fossil fuel-related projects are numerous: water pollution, degradation of aquatic ecosystems, a decline in fish stocks, and consequently, food insecurity for thousands of people who depend on the lake. These issues were at the heart of the discussions during the consultation sessions. Through active participation, communities expressed their determination to protect biodiversity while defending their fundamental right to a healthy environment and sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative led by ACEDH, with logistical and institutional support from FECOPELA, helped establish an inclusive dialogue framework, where each local stakeholder could propose context-specific solutions. Concrete proposals emerged, such as the creation of environmental monitoring committees, local awareness campaigns, and calls for greater transparency in the management of ongoing energy projects in the region.
By bringing together various segments of the population around a common goal, this mobilization contributes to strengthening community resilience in the face of environmental threats. It also underscores that any sustainable resource management policy must necessarily include those who directly depend on these resources for their survival. The experience of Kasenyi demonstrates that when local communities are consulted and equipped, they can become the primary actors in protecting their territory. This initiative has not only allowed their voices to be heard but also strengthened their capacity to act collectively for a more sustainable and equitable future.
By kilalopress
