Dr Congo and France unite for vital forest conservation efforts

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – Marie Nyange Ndambo, the Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and the New Climate Economy, recently hosted Christophe Lecourtier, Director General of the French Development Agency (AFD) Group, during his inaugural official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This visit marks Mr. Lecourtier’s first mission to the DRC, underscoring a commitment to strengthening the Franco-Congolese partnership. Discussions primarily focused on bolstering support for the health sector, particularly the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), alongside critical initiatives for DRC forest preservation within the vast Congo Basin.

Following their meeting, the AFD Director General commended the Congolese government’s proactive environmental policies. He reiterated France’s unwavering commitment to assisting the DRC in achieving its ambitious climate goals, emphasizing that safeguarding forests remains a paramount priority for the French Development Agency.

“Our discussion primarily centered on the Minister’s environmental strategy, especially concerning forests. We also highlighted the significance of Franco-Congolese cooperation in this vital sector,” Lecourtier told reporters after the talks. “Under the guidance of our Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, forest protection is unequivocally a top priority for the French Development Agency. Our objective is to translate this into tangible actions.”

Evoking the DRC’s pivotal role under the Belém Call, Christophe Lecourtier praised the government’s recent strategic directions.

“The Belém Call has entrusted you with immense responsibility, passing the torch for all matters pertaining to the Congo Basin forests,” he stated. “We are confident that the policies recently approved by your Council of Ministers fully align with this momentum. France and the AFD pledge our complete support to ensure you can showcase all your initiatives at the upcoming COP in Turkey this autumn.”

Discussions also delved into the innovative Z3D pilot project, designed to directly engage local communities in anti-deforestation efforts through targeted financial incentive mechanisms.

“The Z3D project aims to directly involve local populations in combating deforestation through financial incentives,” the AFD Director General elaborated. “As both you and the President of the Republic have expressed, these incentives must directly benefit the communities. For us, this represents a crucial pilot project undertaken with the Democratic Republic of Congo, one that holds the potential for far-reaching impacts.”

“We inhabit a single planet. What transpires here, within the immense forests, vast peatlands, and rich forest resources of your nation, profoundly influences the global climate and, indeed, the lives of Europeans,” he observed. “Today, unprecedented heatwaves are sweeping across Europe, particularly France, raising collective awareness that significant changes are underway.”

He concluded by underscoring that only reinforced international cooperation can effectively address the climate challenge.

“We can only curb global warming through concerted partnership and cooperation with nations like yours, which possess an invaluable asset in slowing this phenomenon,” Christophe Lecourtier emphasized. “Forests and peatlands play a critical role in carbon sequestration.”

This official visit underscores the Democratic Republic of Congo’s strategic importance within the French Development Agency Group’s priorities. It reflects the institution’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with Congolese authorities, supporting the nation’s key development objectives. With an active portfolio exceeding 731 million euros across 35 ongoing projects, the DRC stands as one of the AFD Group’s primary intervention countries in Central Africa, highlighting its significant role in DRC forest preservation and broader development efforts.

Operating in over 160 countries and overseas territories, the AFD Group champions fairer, more sustainable, and resilient development globally. Through its three complementary entities—the French Development Agency (AFD) for public sector financing, Proparco for private sector support, and Expertise France for technical cooperation—the group assists states and their partners in executing projects that address major sustainable development challenges.

With over 4,000 projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AFD Group, on behalf of France, mobilizes funding, expertise, and partnerships. These efforts are dedicated to fostering economic growth, combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, promoting gender equality, building peace, and strengthening health systems, all with approaches tailored to local realities and needs across the continent.