Conservation & Human Rights
RETHINKING THE JUST TRANSITION IN THE DRC
Focusing on voices from across the DRC, a so-called ‘Solutions Country’, this briefing highlights how current extractive and conservation models often harm communities, and sets out a pathway for a just transition rooted in equity, participation and community-led environmental stewardship.
COP30 in Belém: A Mixed Bag for Climate, Forests and People
In the sweltering conference halls of Belém, COP30, dubbed the ‘rainforest COP’, proved to be a mixed bag. While it failed to deliver concrete plans to end deforestation or phase out fossil fuels, there was some better news for Indigenous Peoples, local communities and the Congo Basin. Here are some brief takeaways from a breathless … Read more
COP30: Congolese Civil Society Calls for a Truly Just Transition in the DRC
Belém, As global climate negotiations at COP30 focus on phasing out fossil fuels, the Congolese citizen movement Notre Terre Sans Pétrole (NTSP) has launched a policy brief outlining how the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can achieve a genuinely just energy transition. The brief was unveiled during the side event in Belém “Solutions Country: Protecting Forests and Securing … Read more
Community Forests in DRC: A Proven Solution for a ‘Solutions Country’
As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) delegation heads to COP30 in Belém – the so-called “Rainforest COP” – RFUK and a coalition of 21 Congolese civil society and Indigenous organisations is urging policymakers to recognise the country’s community forestry model as a cornerstone of climate and biodiversity action. Holding 60% of the world’s second-largest rainforest and its … Read more
National meeting lays foundation for shared and inclusive governance of the Green Corridor
Between 7-9 October 2025, Congolese civil society hosted the first nationwide gathering on the Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa (CVKK), the world’s largest ‘community’ reserve created in January 2025. The three-day meeting was organised by the Congolese civil society coalition Reseau pour l’Environnement et les Droits Humains (R-EDH), in partnership with the Virunga Foundation and the Institut … Read more
Against the odds: two forest communities in conflict-affected North Kivu approve sustainable management plans
This story is the last of a five-part Forests for the Future impact series on how community forests in the DRC are enabling communities to drive their own development and protect climate critical forests In the heart of the Bapere sector of Lubero Territory, North Kivu, a region often overshadowed by insecurity and conflict, two … Read more
New analysis shows extent of threat posed by new DRC oil block licensing round
Kinshasa, DRC / London, UK A new report, released today by Earth Insight in collaboration with Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) and Congolese partners Our Land Without Oil (Notre Terre Sans Pétrole) and CORAP, reveals the potential social and environmental impacts of planned oil development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The government cancelled a … Read more
Securing the Future: Kiri’s and Batende’s journey to establishing their community forests in the buffer zone of the Lomami National Park
This is the third story in a five part Forests for the Future impact series on how community forests in the DRC are enabling communities to drive their own development and protect climate critical forests. Deep within the lush green expanse surrounding Lomami National Park in Maniema, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, something remarkable … Read more
Tropical Forest Forever Facility Briefing Note
This briefing note presents key reflections from a group of international environmental, human rights and Indigenous solidarity organisations on the development of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF). Based on concept 2.0, it aims to highlight critical issues that must be addressed for the TFFF to achieve its goals. While not a comprehensive review due … Read more
A new multi-billion dollar fund could be a lifeline for the world’s besieged forests. But it will only succeed if concerns surrounding it are addressed.
In 2024, the world lost almost 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forest: the fastest rate ever recorded. The world’s forests are still falling prey to mining, logging and agriculture, but as the climate crisis intensifies, for the first time on record, the leading cause of tropical primary forest loss is fire. Burning forests are … Read more