In a context where the preservation of forest ecosystems is becoming a global concern, the Network of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities for the Sustainable Management of Central African Forest Ecosystems (REPALEAC) positions itself as a key player.
At the heart of the 20th Meeting of the Parties to the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (PFBC), held in Kinshasa from June 3rd to 5th, 2024, REPALEAC undertook intensive actions to raise awareness among regional decision-makers about the importance of considering the rights and role of indigenous peoples in forest management.
The coordinator of this organization, Joseph Itongwa, emphasizes the urgency of this awareness: “We have requested that these peoples also be taken into account in the allocation of funding, as well as their participation in the PFBC process. During my intervention, I tried to draw attention to three aspects. Firstly, improving the legal framework to ensure the securing of territories of indigenous peoples where forests are located, as well as strengthening traditional practices that truly contribute to the maintenance of these forests. Secondly, taking into account the efforts of indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge in forest conservation in Congo Basin countries. Thirdly, achieving the global biodiversity framework, which requires reaching 30% of marine and terrestrial areas globally by 2030.”
One of the main objectives of REPALEAC during this dialogue is to achieve Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of marine and terrestrial areas globally by 2030. Itongwa emphasizes that this can only be possible through a single form of protected areas, rather than the three forms of conservation mentioned in target three. He also advocated for the need to improve the living conditions of indigenous forest guardians and to develop specific strategies to support their crucial role in conservation.
Comprising over 200 organizations of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from 8 Central African countries, REPALEAC is developing a strategic framework to guide the action of these peoples. During the Kinshasa meeting, the platform intensified reflections on biodiversity management while preserving the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
“We have developed reflections to demonstrate that specific strategies are really needed to support the implementation of the Global Framework while taking into account the territories of indigenous peoples,” insists the coordinator of REPALEAC. “We request that strategies and action plans be updated at the national level, particularly in relation to indigenous-led conservation.”
In addition to its advocacy, REPALEAC works to build the capacities of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in 19 territories of the DRC. Its objective is to promote their engagement and participation in the implementation of REDD+ policies and activities of the Forest Investment Program (FIP) at the local and national levels, thus recognizing their role as guardians of nature.
The active participation of REPALEAC in the 20th meeting of the PFBC parties was made possible through the financial support of RRI, GIZ, and other partners committed to promoting the rights of indigenous peoples and forest communities in Congo Basin countries.
REPALEAC’s participation in the 20th Meeting of the Parties to the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (PFBC) underscores the importance of recognizing and integrating indigenous peoples into forest management. Their traditional knowledge and intimate relationship with forest ecosystems are essential assets for effective biodiversity conservation.
By Franck Zongwe Lukama
