Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi announced the launch of the world’s largest tropical forest reserve in the Congo Basin, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing the economy, strengthening communities, and promoting lasting peace in eastern Congo.
The “Kivu-Kinshasa green corridor” will span over 500,000 square kilometers, connecting the Virunga National Park, the expansive forests of Ituri, and the Congo River from Kisangani to Kinshasa.
This ambitious project aims to preserve over 100,000 square kilometers of natural forest, create nearly 500,000 jobs, and provide 1 million tons of food per year for Kinshasa, the largest city in Africa.
The Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest rainforest after the Amazon, faces significant threats from deforestation, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
The Kivu-Kinshasa green corridor initiative will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also play a crucial role in economic development and regional stability.
The European Union has pledged its strong support to this initiative, mobilizing €1 billion in investments and projects.
Additionally, the EU has announced an additional €42 million grant to boost sustainable agriculture, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect biodiversity along the green corridor.