The Republic of Congo: Preserve the "Three Basins.
Civil society actors have a unique opportunity and a heavy responsibility to make our voices heard at the upcoming Three Basins Summit in Brazzaville, Congo. This summit plays an essential role as a platform for discussing environmental challenges and innovative solutions to preserve the precious ecosystems of the three basins.
As representatives of diverse civil society organizations committed to biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, we wish to seize this opportunity to launch a call for ambitious and concerted action.
The Three Basins – the Congo Basin, the Amazon Basin, and the Mekong Basin – harbour unparalleled biodiversity and play a crucial role in global climate regulation. However, these unique ecosystems are facing severe threats such as deforestation, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, the introduction of invasive species harmful to native species, and pollution, among others, exacerbating the phenomenon of climate change.
Recently, we have become aware of concerning practices on the Bateke Plateau in Congo, where a global multi-energy company is involved in the production and supply of hydrocarbons and other sources of energy. These practices aim to conceal the unacceptable environmental damage caused by their activities, which must be firmly condemned. We demand that this company end these disastrous practices and fully assume its responsibility towards the environment.
These threats are primarily caused by human activity. We also denounce the “greenwashing” practices of a company exploiting mineral resources on the Bateke Plateau in Congo. This covert strategy to clandestinely conceal resource exploitation must be prohibited as it has devastating consequences on the forest ecosystem and directly threatens ecological functions.
Faced with this alarming situation and the environmental challenges that threaten the three basins, we are convinced that the time for speeches is over. We must take action with determination, a spirit of collaboration, and a genuine commitment to protect these natural gemstones that are crucial for the future of our planet.
Together, we must develop strategies and policies for biodiversity conservation that promote sustainable resource management and limit the impact of human activity on the ecosystems of the three basins. We must also enhance awareness and education regarding the importance of these ecosystems and encourage international cooperation for their protection.
Our call to action is based on five fundamental pillars, which have been developed by bringing together different perspectives and considering everyone’s input.
These five pillars are as follows:
1. Conservation and Restoration of Biodiversity:
Preserving biodiversity in the three key basins – the Congo Basin, the Amazon Basin, and the Mekong Basin – is paramount for ensuring our planet’s environmental health. These basins are home to rich and diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests that are among the world’s largest and most valuable reserves of biodiversity. However, in the face of anthropogenic pressures and illegal activities such as deforestation, unsustainable logging, and poaching, it is crucial to intensify conservation and restoration efforts in these unique habitats.
To guarantee the protection and survival of this invaluable global biodiversity, we call on national governments and international partners to strengthen conservation measures in the basins. This requires several vital actions: firstly, improving the management system and governance of protected areas in the existing basins by revising strategic plans or actions and harmonizing national legislation. Secondly, creating and expanding transboundary protected areas promotes ecological connectivity between habitats and allows species to move freely. Thirdly, training and capacity-building for legal and natural guardians of protected areas.
It is also crucial to combat illegal activities that threaten biodiversity, such as deforestation, mining, and poaching. This requires strict enforcement of regulations and open and objective cooperation among intra- and intergovernmental institutions. We can preserve the ecosystems essential for humankind’s survival and maintain crucial ecosystem services by ensuring that these illegal activities are controlled and prevented.
Furthermore, it is essential to promote ecological connectivity between protected areas by developing biological corridors and preserving critical landscapes for biodiversity. These measures allow species to move freely, maintain stable and genetically diverse populations, and enhance ecosystem services such as crop pollination and climate regulation. This connectivity strengthens the sustainability and resilience of ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic pressures and environmental changes.
Additionally, there is an urgent need to actively support ecological restoration initiatives to rehabilitate degraded areas in the basins. This can be achieved by implementing reforestation projects, assisting natural regeneration, and rehabilitating damaged ecosystems. Restoring ecological functions and reintroducing key species will restore the balance of ecosystems and enhance their resilience to anthropogenic pressures.
Finally, we specifically call on the company operating in some of the mentioned basins to take concrete measures to compensate for the environmental damage caused by the Bateke plantation. We encourage this company to actively engage in environmentally friendly oil production practices and support conservation and restoration actions in its operating regions.
2. Sustainable Development and Green Economy:
The transition to sustainable development and a green economy is urgently necessary in the three key basins – the Congo Basin, the Amazon Basin, and the Mekong Basin. These biodiversity-rich ecosystems face increasing pressures from resource exploitation, deforestation, intensive agriculture, and climate change. It is crucial to implement concrete policies and measures to promote environmentally friendly economic activities to preserve these ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of resources for future generations.
Promoting sustainable forest management is at the heart of transitioning to a green economy in the three basins. It is essential to establish responsible and sustainable management mechanisms to prevent illegal deforestation, excessive exploitation of forest resources, and destruction of natural habitats. This can be achieved by strengthening the enforcement of forestry regulations, encouraging sustainable forest certifications, and supporting local communities in their sustainable forest management practices. Protecting forests also preserves essential ecosystem services such as climate regulation, carbon storage, and biodiversity protection.
Ecologically smart agriculture is another critical component of sustainable development in the basins. Promoting agricultural models that minimize environmental impacts while ensuring food security for local communities is imperative. This can be achieved by encouraging the adoption agroecological practices such as agroforestry, crop rotation, soil conservation, and responsible use of water resources. By supporting local farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices, we can strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems, preserve soil fertility, and reduce environmental degradation.
Sustainable construction also plays a crucial role in transitioning to a green economy in the basins. Promoting environmentally friendly construction practices, such as using sustainable, recycled, and low-carbon footprint materials and implementing bioclimatic design techniques is essential. Sustainable construction helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize construction waste, improve the energy efficiency of buildings, and create healthy and sustainable living spaces. By encouraging the adoption of sustainable construction standards and supporting research and development of innovative solutions, we can promote the transition to a more environmentally friendly construction economy.
Promoting social protection to enhance resilience and protect populations against the impact of economic and environmental crises is also a crucial aspect of sustainable development in the basins. Social policy measures should be integrated into national policies addressing climate change. All economic policies should incorporate measures to support sustainable development. Reforming environmental taxation could contribute to financing compensations for those affected by the transition through investments in new green jobs and increased innovation.
3. Strengthening International Cooperation:
Preserving the three basins is of crucial importance in ensuring a sustainable future. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen international cooperation among riparian countries and regional and international organizations. Such strengthening would enable the exchange of knowledge, resources, and coordinated actions to support initiatives to protect these basins.
Riparian countries must work closely to preserve the three basins as they share similar ecosystems and face similar environmental challenges. By enhancing cooperation, these countries can coordinate their protection efforts, establish standard policies, and share best practices. This would involve creating regular dialogue and collaboration mechanisms to ensure sustainable management of natural resources in the basins.
Coordination with regional and international organizations is paramount in preserving the three basins. These organizations have resources, expertise, and a global perspective on environmental protection. By collaborating with these entities, riparian countries can benefit from additional support technical advice, and participate in basin preservation and management projects. Close coordination would also optimize efforts and maximize the impact of actions taken.
Mobilizing financial and technological resources is crucial for preserving the three basins. Mobilizing sufficient funding and making appropriate technological resources available to support preservation initiatives is imperative. This can be achieved through public-private partnerships, international funding programs, and exploring green financing. By encouraging the mobilization of these resources, we can develop concrete preservation projects and enhance the efforts’ effectiveness.
In conclusion, international cooperation is essential for preserving the three basins. We can ensure sustainable management of these precious ecosystems by strengthening collaboration among riparian countries and coordinating actions with regional and international organizations. Mobilizing adequate financial and technological resources will support basin protection and conservation initiatives. It is urgent to act now to ensure a viable future for the basins and preserve these natural treasures for future generations.
4. Civil Society Participation in Basin Preservation:
The participation of civil society is crucial in the transition towards sustainable development and a green economy in the three basins. Civil society actors recognize our responsibility to support these efforts by working closely with governments, businesses, and local communities.
It is essential for the leaders present at the Three Basins Summit to listen attentively to our concerns. Understanding our recommendations enables them to make informed decisions and commit firmly to environmental preservation.
Civil society is vital in raising awareness, mobilizing citizens, and monitoring and evaluating sustainable development initiatives. Our in-depth knowledge of local environmental issues allows us to identify communities’ needs and find collaboration opportunities.
All stakeholders involved in the Congo, Amazon, and Mekong Basins must work together in developing policies and projects that incorporate the needs of local populations while preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable economic development. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society is essential to implement sustainable development policies and projects effectively. By joining forces, we can strengthen our collective capacity for action and build strong partnerships based on mutual trust.
To ensure active participation of local communities, it is necessary to involve them from the early stages of planning and establish mechanisms for participatory governance. By giving voice to local communities, we can ensure that their specific interests and needs are considered in sustainable development policies and projects. This will also strengthen their sense of ownership and contribute to the long-term success of these initiatives.
Promoting transparency and dialogue among all stakeholders, including businesses operating in these basins, is also crucial. By fostering open dialogue and sharing essential information with civil society and local communities, businesses can better understand the concerns and expectations of these stakeholders. This would enable addressing any potential negative impacts of their activities and implementing corrective measures to contribute to preservation efforts.
5. Preservation and Valorization of the Forest School: Respecting Indigenous Knowledge to Preserve Forest Ecosystems:
Preserving forest ecosystems is essential for ensuring the sustainability of our planet. In this quest, it is crucial to recognize and value the ancestral knowledge of indigenous peoples. These communities have developed an actual “forest school,” a valuable knowledge passed down from generation to generation. This article highlights the importance of preserving and valorizing this forest school to ensure the preservation of forest ecosystems.
Indigenous Knowledge and the Forest School:
Indigenous peoples have a harmonious relationship with nature that spans millennia. Their traditional knowledge considers the interconnections between species, natural cycles, and available resources in forest ecosystems. It is this profound understanding that forms the basis of their forest school. Respecting and conserving this ancestral wisdom is crucial for preserving forest ecosystems.
Preserving Forest Ecosystems through the Forest School:
The Forest School of Indigenous Peoples offers sustainable methods for managing forest ecosystems. Their expertise enables the respectful exploitation of natural resources, avoiding overexploitation and habitat destruction. They know how to identify threatened species, preserve sacred areas, and maintain a balance among the different life forms present in the forest. By recognizing and valuing this knowledge, we can preserve the biodiversity of forest ecosystems.
The Importance of Collaboration with Indigenous Peoples:
Preserving forest ecosystems cannot be achieved without the active participation of indigenous peoples. Their local knowledge is essential for the sustainable management of forest resources. By working closely with indigenous communities, we can learn from their forest school and implement conservation initiatives adapted and respectful of nature.
Conclusion:
This call to action highlights the urgency of preserving the Congo, Amazon, and Mekong basins, home to exceptional forest ecosystems and unique biodiversity. Through the various themes addressed, we have emphasized the importance of international cooperation, mobilizing financial and technological resources, engaging civil society, and valuing the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples.
International cooperation among riparian countries regional and international organizations is essential for sustainable management of natural resources in the three basins. They can coordinate protection efforts, establish common policies, and share best practices by working together.
Mobilizing sufficient financial and technological resources is imperative to support basin preservation initiatives. Public-private partnerships, international financing programs, and green funding can be vital in mobilizing resources to develop concrete preservation projects and enhance the effectiveness of actions taken.
The participation of civil society is crucial in the transition towards sustainable development. By collaborating with governments, businesses, and local communities, civil society can raise awareness, mobilize support, and monitor sustainable development initiatives. By actively involving local communities and promoting transparency and dialogue, we can ensure that their interests and needs are considered in basin preservation policies and projects.
Lastly, valuing and respecting the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples is fundamental for the sustainable management of natural resources. Their deep understanding of these ecosystems passed down through generations, provides valuable tools for effectively preserving biodiversity and promoting a sustainable future.
In conclusion, this call to action underscores the urgency of collective action to preserve the Congo, Amazon, and Mekong basins. By strengthening international cooperation, mobilizing necessary resources, encouraging civil society participation, and valuing the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples, we can build a sustainable future by preserving these unique ecosystems and ensuring biodiversity conservation for future generations.
