Democratic Republic of Congo officials have transferred 847,818 hectares of rainforest. This land goes to Indigenous Peoples and local communities. It marks the country's largest one-day recognition of community lands. The government issued 31 Local Community Forest Concession (CFCL) titles.
This action strengthens local control over forests in Tshopo Province. More than 1.2 million hectares are now managed by communities there. The Congo Basin, a major global carbon sink, faces increasing threats. This move comes amid global focus on climate change and biodiversity.
Tshopo Province has seen significant tree cover loss since 2002. This transfer aligns with the global goal to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. Experts view this as a practical example of community-led conservation. DR Congo's land-use law prioritises community rights in forest governance.
Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, Director of Tropenbos DRC, called it a historic moment. He stated it is an exceptional and unique day for community forestry. This is the first time so many forest titles were awarded at once. The government completed the process in just a few months. Previous efforts took years.
Mohammed-Nurudeen praised collaboration among authorities and communities. He called for more investment in sustainable livelihoods. Communities need support to convert land rights into economic opportunities. The initiative links to commitments under the Congo Basin Forest Partnership. It also supports the Belém Call to Action.
Forestry experts warn that many global conservation pledges fail in practice. DRC's action stands out by granting legal tenure rights directly. It avoids empty promises of new targets. The move addresses historical exclusion of Indigenous Peoples from protected areas. Legally recognising these concessions promotes conservation with communities.
Marie Andolea, a local community member, sees the titles as protection. She is part of the BAVAZILI CFCL in Bafwasende Territory. She said communities are moving from shadows into the light. Illegal gold mining damages rivers and forests in the area. The titles act as a shield for their ancestral land.
Andolea also asked for help developing sustainable livelihoods. Community-managed forests are recognised globally for biodiversity protection. They help store carbon and regulate the climate. Tshopo Province has seen rapid growth in community forestry. It had no concessions in 2014-2020. By 2026, it expects 43 concessions. The 31 titles awarded signal strong momentum for community-led governance.