Kinshasa, 22 May 2024 – Prof. Aurelian Mbzibain recently presented findings from a study on the financial sustainability of Independent Forest Monitoring (IFM) organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study, commissioned by the United States Forest Service (USFS) and supported by the national Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), was shared during a workshop at the Centre d’Etude Pour l’Action Sociale (CEPAS) in Kinshasa.
Key recommendations from the study highlight the need for comprehensive capacity-building initiatives that include technical, financial, operational, and institutional aspects. It suggests the development of a robust, long-term funding strategy with an emphasis on program grants over short-term projects to ensure consistent progress. Diversifying funding sources is critical, with an exploration of a basket fund for independent forest monitoring that could mobilise resources from government mechanisms, program funding, private sector contributions, and service provision.
The workshop underscored the importance of these recommendations in ensuring the financial sustainability of IFM initiatives in the DRC, aiming to secure long-term support for better forest governance and the protection of forest-dependent communities. This collaborative effort is vital for enhancing the capacity of CSOs, promoting transparency, and ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources in the Congo Basin.
The study also calls for the establishment of transparent and flexible funding mechanisms, advocating for direct funding support aligned with national CSOs’ agendas. Enhanced communication and advocacy efforts are necessary to raise awareness about the critical role of IFM in promoting transparency and accountability in forest management. These efforts will better influence policy decisions, garner stakeholder support, and foster collaborative efforts toward sustainable forest management.
Independent Forest Monitoring (IFM) plays a crucial role in meeting the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) 2031 objectives, as outlined in the 2nd Letter of Intent with the government of the DRC. By promoting transparency, accountability, and combating corruption in the forest sector, IFM contributes significantly to the sustainable management of forest resources. This aligns with CAFI’s goals of reducing deforestation and forest degradation, ensuring sustainable land use, and enhancing the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
ACE D&H Consultants extend heartfelt thanks to Rene Siwe, Georges Tchatchambe, Eugene Chia, and Nelly Noutsa of the United States Forest Services for providing the opportunity and support necessary to conduct this study. Special thanks also go to Essylot Lubala and Serge Mbondo of OGF – Mandated Independent Forest Monitor, whose insights and expertise were invaluable to the research. Appreciations are also expressed to all participants and contributors to the study, whose valuable input and engagement were crucial to its success.