October 19, 2025 – It’s news that resonates as a victory for the Congolese civil society committed to environmental protection. The Network of Conservation Societies of the Congo Basin, led by Josue Aruna, has been officially admitted to the Global Committee of the Civil Society Organizations Network of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-CSO Network).
This membership, confirmed through an official notification received by the Congolese organization, now places it among the key actors in international advocacy for environmental governance. The decision was made during the latest GEF Assembly held in Canada, following a rigorous review of the organization’s file and a favorable recommendation from the Regional Focal Point for West Asia.
Created in 1995, the GEF-CSO Network brings together civil society organizations from around the world under a common mission: to strengthen the ties between the Global Environment Facility and local actors of sustainable development. Being a member of this network means having a seat at the table where major global directions on conservation, ecological transition, and environmental justice are decided.
For the Congo, this recognition represents more than just a label. It marks the rise of African voices in international debates on the planet’s future. “It is both a collective responsibility and an opportunity to make the voices of the Congo Basin communities heard—voices too often forgotten in major environmental decisions,” said Josue Aruna, visibly moved by this recognition.
Through this membership, the Network of Conservation Societies of the Congo Basin intends to redouble its efforts in promoting inclusive green governance, where local populations become true actors of change. A national pride, but also a strong signal: the Democratic Republic of the Congo—the green heart of Africa—now has a strong representative within the Global Committee of Environmental Civil Society.
By Kilalopress
This is a great success to our Congolese advocacy
For Peter Warui and the Molo Constituency Forest Association, this development reinforces the need for inclusive green governance, where local populations are empowered to become genuine agents of environmental change. It is not just a regional victory but a signal of Africa’s growing role in global environmental advocacy.