These meetings aimed to develop a plan for engagement and integration of indigenous and local populations in the implementation of the 30/30 target.

The WCS organization and the government of the DRC aspire to develop the 30/30 strategy on the national territory, which is a global goal calling for the conservation of 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems through well-connected networks of protected areas as well as Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM), by 2030.

This, by maximizing co-benefits in terms of biodiversity, combating climate change, adaptation opportunities, and sustainable and inclusive development with indigenous peoples and communities.

Several recommendations were made at the end of the meetings, including harmonizing and adapting the legal framework for nature conservation; identifying and enhancing indigenous knowledge systems; accelerating the process of land-use planning; taking into account the resolutions from the general states of the forests; involving all stakeholders in the process at different levels; supporting the implementation of the standard guide on the complaint management mechanism in protected areas and the framework of national guidelines on CLIP.

It is worth noting that this workshop brought together representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities, various ministries of the country, civil society, and climate and biodiversity development actors based in Kinshasa.

Cathy Ibandula