DRC President Advocates for Global Cooperation on Ambitious Green Corridor Project
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi reaffirmed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) commitment to the groundbreaking “Green Corridor” project, which aims to strengthen the surveillance of protected areas while promoting sustainable development.
This initiative, launched in December 2024 by Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Eve Bazaiba, seeks to address critical environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Speaking during a New Year’s reception with ambassadors accredited to the DRC, President Tshisekedi emphasized that the “Green Corridor” is more than just an environmental effort.
“This project is a comprehensive response to our country’s economic, social, and security challenges. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and ecotourism, it offers a tangible alternative to the war economy in this region,” the President stated.
Spanning approximately 500,000 square kilometers of forest from the Grand Kivu area to Kinshasa, the Green Corridor aims to protect intact primary forests and restore degraded areas.
The DRC government is actively inviting international partners to collaborate in making this transformative vision a reality, with benefits designed to uplift local communities.
“To realize this vision, the DRC remains open to all cooperation for sustainable development. This initiative will not only safeguard vast tracts of primary forest but also facilitate socio-economic progress and the sustainable development of natural resources for the benefit of our people,” added President Tshisekedi.
During the project’s December 2024 launch, Minister Eve Bazaiba detailed its objectives, explaining that the initiative will focus on rehabilitating degraded savannahs with forest cover and alleviating pressure on well-preserved forest areas.
“We will prioritize degraded forest areas, restoring them with palm plantations, while also safeguarding natural, intact forests. This approach balances restoration and preservation,” Bazaiba stated.
By bolstering the protection of its green spaces, the DRC aims to solidify its role as a global leader in addressing climate challenges while enhancing its capacity for sustainable development.
The Green Corridor project underscores the country’s dedication to combating deforestation, restoring ecosystems, and fostering a green economy.
