Deep within the lush green expanse surrounding Lomami National Park in Maniema, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, something remarkable is happening.

The communities of Kiri and Batende are leading a bold, grassroots movement to protect their forests, not through top-down conservation, but by claiming their rightful place as guardians of the land they've called home for generations. They are managing community forests to improve their livelihoods while curbing deforestation and safeguarding one of the DRC’s most vital ecosystems.

The Forests for the Future project, funded by USAID, NICFI and other donors, and implemented by GeoFirst and RFUK, understands that the most fair and effective way to protect tropical forests is to entrust their management to the people who live in and depend on them. Thanks to landmark community forest legislation in the DRC, more than 200 communities now have secure rights to their cherished rainforest homes, covering more than 4 million hectares, roughly the size of Belgium. This strengthens local and Indigenous groups to thrive through inclusive governance, participatory land use planning and community entrepreneurship.

The tight-knit communities of Kiri and Batende are special. Both communities formally established Community Forest Concessions, spanning 1,799 hectares and 2,790 hectares respectively, within the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park. This is only the second time that community forest titles have been legally recognised in such zones, where control is typically retained by the state or national park authorities. In this case, collaboration, not conflict, prevailed. One community member shared what this milestone means to them: “Our rights are eternally guaranteed through the community forestry process, so our mission to preserve our ancestors’ and children’s forest is now officially recognised.”

By securing their customary land, the communities feel deeply connected and committed to their development goals. It is more than a legal victory; it is the foundation for a more sustainable and self-determined future. With RFUK and GeoFirst’s continued support, Kiri and Batende are strengthening local governance bodies, developing participatory management plans and putting in place systems to monitor biodiversity, prevent illegal exploitation and improve community well-being. Communities and forests are looking forward to a brighter, more sustainable future.

Crucially, the initiative isn’t just about forest protection, it’s about resilience, self-reliance and long-term opportunity. By building on ancestral knowledge and enhancing local leadership, these communities are creating a future where both people and forests can thrive.

The journey of Kiri and Batende shows that community forestry isn't just a policy. It's a powerful, practical pathway to protect vital ecosystems while placing control and decision-making back in the hands of the people who know and depend on them most.