The Three Basin Summit of Biodiversity Ecosystems and Tropical Forests that took place in Brazzaville on October 26-28, 2023 was attended by heads of state from the continent, including Congo, DR Congo, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Sao Tome and Principe, were in attendance. There was no presidential representation from the Amazon or Borneo.
These leaders from the Congo, Borneo-Mekong, and the Amazon tackled the issues of climate change and biodiversity loss head-on. This monumental meeting, which foreshadows the impending COP28 which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30- December 12, 2023, emphasizes both the dire importance of the climate crisis and their joint dedication to finding solutions as a unified front. The objective of the conference was to develop cooperative strategies and establish synergy for the preservation of forests, ecosystem restoration, and efficacious reduction of poverty.
Beyond the 3 basins, the partnership also extends to the United States of America, whereby the latter supports the Government of the DRC's development and climate priorities through a series of programs and partnerships across the renewable energy and natural climate solutions sectors. Ongoing US programs foster sustainable land use practices in the DRC by improving management of primary and secondary forests, establishing sustainable financing models for community forest concessions through private sector partnerships, and developing and promoting alternatives to charcoal.
As the leading players in the battle against irreversible climate disruption, the leaders of the planet's three largest tropical forest ecosystems have convened in a summit of great significance. The challenge before these leaders is immense, considering the impact of climate change on their territories.
The initiative was greatly appreciated by President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, who stressed the crucial responsibility their nations have in the fight against climate change. The summit, coming just weeks before the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, served as an essential forum for discussing effective ways to enforce the Paris Agreement.
In light of the ongoing global economic shift, the Democratic Republic of the Congo advocates for a fair and equitable carbon market and diversified funding streams for climate initiatives. Undeniably, the DRC, with over 62% of the forests in the Congo Basin, holds a strategic position in the fight against climate change.
However, the President acknowledged a stark reality amidst the enthusiasm for unity and collaboration. Armed conflict in Virunga National Park, a vital biodiversity reserve, serves as a poignant reminder that challenges must be addressed collectively. Tshisekedi urged the elimination of tribalism, and hatred, emphasizing the need for common strategies to preserve forests, restore ecosystems, and combat poverty.
The strategic timing of the Brazzaville summit followed by the upcoming COP28 gathering is very noteworthy given the December elections that will take place in the DRC. The DRC is gearing up to take its rightful position as the trailblazer in environmental and climate matters. As a major point in his re-election campaign, President Tshisekedi has vowed to ensure that his nation continuously leads in the area of climate change and environmentalism.
The anticipated outcomes of the summit shall shape a collaborative, impactful approach to address critical climate change challenges. President Tshisekedi expressed hope that the Brazzaville meetings mark a fresh start for sustainable forest management, improved socio-economic conditions, and elevated global environmental protection.
