Kintélé:Brazzaville Leaders gathered in Kintélé on November 6 called for increased funding and strengthened international cooperation to ensure the restoration and preservation of forests. This appeal was made during a press conference marking the launch of the United Nations Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation (2027-2036).
According to Agence Congolaise d’Information, the initiative's launch coincided with the 40th edition of the National Tree Day. Congolese President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso emphasized the need for action and the mobilization of necessary funds for forest preservation. He highlighted that nearly 600 million Africans lack electricity and rely on wood energy for domestic needs. He also stressed the importance of livestock development to reduce pressure on wildlife.
President Sassou-N’Guesso mentioned the Blue Fund for the Congo Basin, initiated by the Republic of Congo, urging economic and financial partners to fulfill their commitments towards supporting economies engaged in forest ecosystem protection. He also encouraged Congolese citizens to continue their efforts alongside other African nations and the international community.
The current Chair of the African Union and President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, urged African states to convert this commitment into national programs with specific goals, monitoring mechanisms, and dedicated budgets. He described the adoption of this decade as a "collective victory," emphasizing the involvement of youth, women, and local communities.
Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra reaffirmed his country's commitment to forest preservation and advocated for international financial support for the efforts of Congo Basin states. The Vice President of Gabon criticized the inadequate funding for Congo Basin countries, which receive only 11% of international resources dedicated to tropical forests, despite their role in global climate regulation. He suggested result-based payments and mechanisms for valuing environmental services.
Dr. Khalilur Rahman, President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, commended Congo's leadership in promoting this initiative and noted its success would depend on state commitments, international support, new technologies, and local community participation. He announced plans to convene global leaders in 2027 in New York for this decade.
Addressing the causes of deforestation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo mentioned slash-and-burn agriculture and wood energy use. He proposed developing agroforestry, stabilizing agriculture, improving electricity access, and creating energy-oriented forest plantations, particularly within the "The Forest is Us" program.
Scheduled for 2027-2036, the United Nations Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation aims to accelerate forest cover restoration, combat deforestation, and preserve biodiversity for current and future generations.