On Saturday, September 14, Kinshasa hosted the second training session organized as part of the project titled “Enhancing Media Capacity to Implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.” This workshop, aimed at strengthening the skills of Congolese journalists in biodiversity, focused on National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
This project, implemented by MKAAJI MPYA asbl and KILALO PRESS with financial support from INTERNEWS EUROPE and Earth Journalism Network (EJN) through #BiodiversityMediaInitiative, marks a significant step towards better media coverage of environmental issues related to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The day began with a recap of the 23 targets of the Global Framework, an essential reminder from the first training session. This introduction allowed participants to reconnect with the project’s overall objectives before diving into the specifics of the NBSAPs. Trainer Daniel Mukubi then took the floor to provide a detailed presentation on NBSAPs. His session covered several crucial aspects: the process of developing and implementing NBSAPs in the DRC, the stakeholders involved, and the challenges encountered. He highlighted the international treaty adopted in 1992, specifying its three fundamental objectives: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Mukubi also noted that the DRC has been a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 1994, leading to the development of the DRC Biodiversity Monograph.
The presentation continued with an explanation of post-1994 legal and regulatory reforms, illustrating how national laws, such as the Forestry Code and the Nature Conservation Law, integrate CBD provisions. Mukubi also discussed NBSAP funding through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), noting that the DRC has benefited from nearly USD 460 million for conservation projects, including the rehabilitation of protected areas.
The journalists present had the opportunity to ask questions, leading to a series of mutual clarifications. Mukubi then explained the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), describing the development process and coordination by the Directorate of Sustainable Development (DDD). He mentioned the need to update the NBSAP, as the current strategic plan is nearing its expiration.
The session addressed monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, focusing on the National Reports (NR) prepared every four years. Mukubi detailed performance indicators and methods for tracking progress in the implementation of NBSAPs.
After the theoretical presentations, journalists engaged in practical activities designed to apply the knowledge gained. This phase included in-depth case analyses and the development of reporting projects, allowing participants to practice the tools and methods learned during the session.
It is worth noting that this workshop, organized by MKAAJI MPYA and Kilalopress in Kinshasa, represents a crucial step in enhancing media capacities on biodiversity issues in the DRC. The next session will be held in Bukavu, with financial support from Internews, reaching about thirty Congolese journalists across both provinces. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen media coverage of biodiversity and improve awareness of environmental issues in the country.
The Editorial Team
