DRC: 1,500 hectares of trees planted in North Kivu in the face of climate and war

An initiative by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and the Virunga National Park has resulted in the planting of 1,500 hectares of trees in the province of North Kivu, which is suffering from global warming and armed conflict.

World Environment Day was celebrated around the world on June 5, 2024, with a series of ecological activities. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the event served as a pretext for a reforestation operation in North Kivu. The province, which is the scene of clashes between the regular army and the M23 rebels, is also threatened by global warming.

Faced with this situation, the Institut congolais pour la conservation de la nature (ICCN) and the Parc national des Virunga (PNVI) have planted 1,500 hectares of trees on this natural site and on the Virunga River.trees on this natural site and on the rest of the territory of North Kivu, in order to restore attractiveness, improve air quality and protect the soil. These trees should also provide a habitat for local wildlife.

"This is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates our commitment to fighting climate change. Every plant is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can make a difference by protecting the environment in which we live", explains ICCN spokesman Bienvenu Bwende.

The DRC is one of the African countries where civil society organizations (CSOs) are at the forefront of terrestrial ecosystem preservation. Just a few months ago, a dozen associations launched the Tujenge (let's build in Swahili) project, aimed at strengthening economic and climatic resilience in the town of Béni. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in partnership with Mercy Corps, will supply solar-powered ecological ovens to local people who depend mainly on wood cutting (deforestation) for cooking.

Source: www.afrik21.africa/