Impani:Brazzaville Species of eucalyptus, pine, and acacia were planted at the site celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Tree Day in the PK 45 forest massif, located in the village of Impani, within the sub-prefecture of Ignié, Djoué-Léfini department. This announcement was made on November 6th in Brazzaville by the Minister of Forestry Economy, Rosalie Matondo.
According to Agence Congolaise d’Information, the planting initiative also includes the establishment of an orchard of 2,000 Hass avocado trees, gifted by the Burundian President and current chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, to the Congolese President, Denis Sassou-Nguesso. This planting effort is part of the launch of the United Nations Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation, set to occur from 2027 to 2036.
Minister Matondo emphasized the need for national mobilization to ensure the success of this Decade, highlighting the importance of structured programs with measurable goals and verifiable outcomes. She stressed collective and sustained involvement from all societal sectors, including women, indigenous peoples, and local communities, for the initiative's success.
The minister announced two complementary initiatives the "Youth for the Decade" program, aimed at involving Congolese youth in ecosystem restoration, and "Planting with Institutions," promoting institutional participation under the slogan "Each Institution Its Planting Day."
Matondo also recounted Congo's environmental commitments, including the establishment of the National Tree Day in 1984, hosting the second summit of Central African heads of state on forest ecosystem conservation in February 2005, and organizing the first International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation in July 2024.
Highlighting the forest heritage of the Republic of Congo, which covers roughly 69% of the national territory, Matondo noted the country's intent to contribute to voluntary financing, knowledge and technology sharing, and the development of scientific and technical partnerships.
The United Nations Decade initiative originated from a proposal by President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, November 2022. It became an African initiative in February 2024 and was later endorsed by the African Union and presented to the United Nations. On April 16, 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/79/283, declaring 2027-2036 the UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation, with 155 votes in favor and one against.
The planting operation, attended by the heads of state from the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and the vice-president of Gabon, involves planting 57,500 trees on 23 hectares by constituted bodies and 125,000 trees on 50 hectares as part of mass planting for local populations.