Here’s how the Democratic Republic of Congo plans to create the country’s largest protected tropical forest reserve.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is taking a major step in global conservation by creating the country’s largest protected tropical forest reserve. Covering 540,000 square kilometers (an area equivalent to France), this initiative aims to preserve the Congo Basin rainforest while promoting economic development through sustainable energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.
This initiative will protect 108,000 square kilometers of primary forest, ensuring the survival of one of the world’s most critical ecosystems. Backed by the European Union, Grameen Bank, the Schmidt Family Foundation, and the World Economic Forum, the plan seeks to balance environmental conservation with economic opportunities, creating 500,000 jobs and reducing reliance on deforestation.
The Congo Basin is the world’s second-largest rainforest, spanning six countries: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. The DRC is home to approximately 60% of the forest.
Unlike the Amazon, which has become a net emitter of carbon due to deforestation, the Congo Basin remains an essential carbon sink. It absorbs 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and holds 29 billion tonnes of carbon in its peatlands—equivalent to three years’ worth of global emissions. The forest also supports 10,000 species, including rare wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and provides essential resources for 60 million people.
The Congo Basin faces increasing threats, including illegal logging, industrial farming, and expanding infrastructure. Climate change has worsened droughts, wildfires, and floods, placing even more stress on the ecosystem.
In eastern DRC, armed conflict has exacerbated deforestation. More than six million people have died since 1996 due to war, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. Many communities rely on charcoal and firewood, which fuels deforestation and funds armed groups trafficking natural resources.
Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been especially impacted. More than half of the park is under rebel control, and 211 park rangers have been killed while trying to protect it.
Despite these challenges, the DRC has pioneered a sustainable economic model through the Virunga Alliance, a partnership between the government, civil society, and the private sector. This initiative uses the park’s natural resources to generate clean energy and create jobs.
The project has provided renewable electricity to local communities, reducing the demand for charcoal. Over the past five years, it has created 21,000 jobs. Studies estimate the potential for 100,000 jobs and $1 billion in annual revenue through eco-friendly industries such as sustainable farming, hydropower, and tourism.
The DRC is now developing the Virunga-Kinshasa Green Corridor, a large-scale conservation and economic development project expanding on the Virunga Alliance’s success. This initiative will protect the country’s largest protected tropical forest reserve, covering 540,000 square kilometers, creating the DRC’s largest protected tropical forest reserve.
The plan includes sustainable farming zones and economic hubs powered by renewable energy, particularly hydropower from the Congo River. It aims to supply one million tonnes of food annually from the Kivu region to Kinshasa, Africa’s largest city, improving food security while reducing deforestation.
The European Union has pledged €42 million in grant funding, with additional support from global organizations. The project is expected to create half a million jobs and provide economic alternatives to illegal logging and charcoal production.
The DRC’s approach is unique but not without precedent. Similar conservation models exist in the Amazon, where Brazil has implemented protected reserves to curb deforestation, and in Southeast Asia, where sustainable palm oil initiatives aim to balance economic growth with rainforest protection. However, the DRC’s plan stands out for its emphasis on large-scale green economic development alongside conservation.
International support is crucial for success. The European Union has backed the initiative, recognizing the Congo Basin’s role in global climate stability. The World Economic Forum has also promoted the project as an example of how conservation and economic growth can coexist.
Despite the project’s promise, several challenges remain. Political instability, corruption, and logistical difficulties could hinder implementation. Armed groups operating in eastern DRC continue to pose a risk to conservation efforts, and maintaining security will be a key challenge.
Additionally, ensuring that local communities benefit from conservation efforts is essential. Some past projects in other regions have failed due to lack of community involvement. The DRC government has emphasized that this initiative is built on local partnerships and economic incentives to ensure long-term sustainability.
The DRC government is actively seeking investors and partners to develop renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation programs. The success of the country’s largest protected tropical forest reserve depends on long-term international cooperation and funding.
This initiative represents a turning point for both conservation and economic development. It could become a global model for balancing environmental protection with economic growth, ensuring that both people and nature thrive.
