In DRC, in Maniema Province. : Kasongo Communities Commit to Protecting the Mawawa Forest

Maniema: Kasongo Communities Commit to Protecting the Mawawa Forest

Kindu, October 7, 2026 – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Community leaders from the Kahela, Kalongosola, Putila and Sungu groupings, in the Maringa sector of Kasongo Territory, have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Mawawa Forest during a consultation workshop organized in Kindu by the Congo Basin Conservation Society (CBCS Network).

The forest is an important refuge for the remarkable biodiversity of Maniema, including great apes, forest elephants and the grey parrot, as well as numerous plant species and forest and peatland ecosystems. It also plays an important role in ecological connectivity with Lomami National Park.

At the end of the discussions, participants adopted a Solemn Commitment Act supporting the process of establishing a Local Community Forest Concession (CFCL) focused on conservation and sustainable development. They also expressed their agreement in principle to conduct technical, socio-economic, environmental and participatory studies to explore the establishment of a community reserve or an Indigenous and Community Conserved Area (ICCA/APAC) around the Mawawa forest massif.

The communities seek to establish a model of community-based conservation that combines biodiversity protection, safeguarding cultural heritage and traditional knowledge, climate resilience and improved livelihoods for local populations.

Participants emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, involving traditional authorities, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, civil society and government technical services.

The communities of Kahela, Kalongosola, Putila and Sungu are calling on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, technical and financial partners, conservation organizations, research institutions and the international community to support this initiative aimed at protecting the forests of Maniema and the Congo Basin.

The Mawawa Forest represents much more than a simple forest massif. It is our cultural heritage, our source of life, a refuge for unique biodiversity and a local response to the global challenges of climate change,” said a community leader who attended the meeting.

CBCS Network – For a protected Mawawa Forest, strong communities and a sustainable future for Maniema and the Congo Basin.

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