The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rich in biodiversity, faces rising wildlife crime, exacerbated by global issues such as climate change. An analysis of global climate treaties reveals shortcomings that directly impact the situation in the DRC.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings on climate treaties, initiated in 1995 with COP1, have sought to address the challenges posed by climate change. From COP3 to COP6, negotiations often focused on organizational issues and attempts at consensus rather than concrete actions. COP10 in 2004 marked a turning point with a focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies, but progress was hindered by repetitive discussions on less substantial topics, such as “climate tourism,” introduced by the BBC (DownToEarth, n.d.-a).
The Kyoto Protocol, in place until COP15 in 2009, was followed by the Paris Agreement, ratified by 196 parties. However, the commitments remained often non-binding. COP26 highlighted the need for tangible measures to assess the effectiveness of climate efforts (WEF, 2023b). Nevertheless, the persistence of “free-riding,” where some countries benefit from others’ efforts without contributing fairly, has weakened the impact of global commitments. William Nordhaus (2021) noted that the lack of binding mechanisms in agreements like the Paris Agreement makes it difficult to combat climate change effectively.
In the DRC, this dynamic has severe consequences for wildlife. Deforestation, linked to illegal logging and poaching, is particularly severe. Wildlife crime is on the rise, threatening iconic species such as gorillas and elephants. In 2021, the private sector contributed 12% to climate finance, but funds allocated to the DRC remain insufficient to effectively combat these threats. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while offering flexibility, have not ensured adequate protection against illegal practices. The DRC, due to its vast natural resource wealth, is especially vulnerable to these shortcomings.
To enhance the effectiveness of future climate agreements, it is crucial to strengthen enforcement and funding mechanisms. A recommended approach is to recognize that, while the UN has played a significant role in raising awareness and bringing countries together on climate issues, future responsibility should be more evenly shared with local communities. These communities should take the lead by leveraging the tools and support provided by international initiatives to address climate change at a more local level. Promoting an enabling environment for local green innovations through appropriate policies and regulations is essential. Emerging technologies and locally-driven initiatives are particularly relevant in the 21st century, supported by a well-educated young generation and increasingly robust public and private institutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #16. The future of climate treaties should include mechanisms that promote local innovative solutions and ensure greater accountability at the local level, while still benefiting from the UN’s convening power and political influence.
For global climate treaties to have a real impact in the DRC, it is essential to enhance enforcement and funding mechanisms. Future climate agreements must set clear objectives, robust monitoring mechanisms, and involve local communities in natural resource management. As a key center of global biodiversity, the DRC must be prioritized in strategies to protect its unique ecosystems and effectively combat wildlife crime.
By The Editorial Team
