The DRC strengthens its argument justifying the exploration of the 27 oil and 3 gas blocks by invoking international legal instruments
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Eve Bazaïba, presented to the Council on Friday, September 16, the file relating to the environmental aspect of the Call for tenders for the exploration of 27 oil blocks and 3 gas blocks launched by the Government on July 28, 2022.
On this occasion, she recalled “that no provision of the international legal instruments ratified by the Democratic Republic of Congo prohibits its Government from exploiting these resources for reasons of environmental protection or for fear of the aggravation of the Global warming “.
In his opinion, the Paris Agreement of 2015 recognizes developing countries the right to emit CO2 for their development, but taking precautions for the global climate through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
“The Government has therefore set itself the objective of exploiting, in compliance with environmental standards, natural resources and transforming them locally to give added value and also boost the economy by creating wealth and jobs” , notes the report of the Council of Ministers.
Moreover, the VPM of the Environment and Sustainable Development indicated the strategies adopted and the adequate measures envisaged for the implementation of effective government controls. Because, it is a question, for other countries such as Norway, Gabon and Brazil which have taken up this challenge, to avoid negative impacts on the environment. These plan, like our country, to achieve its objectives by preserving its forests and continuing to remain the “solution country” for the fight against global warming.
