The Congo Basin Convening

29-31 August 2023. Kinshasa, DRC. “Regional Summit in reconciling food production with biodiversity conservation and climate emergency in the Congo Basin”.

The convening, was organized in collaboration with Congo Basin Conservation Society (CBCS), Comité National pour la Promotion de l’Agriculture Familiale (CNPAF), the Société Civile Environnementale et Agro-Rurale du Congo (SOCEARUCO) Climate Change Africa Opportunities (CCCAO) and in partnership with the National Ministry of Agriculture.

Participants mainly came from the six Congo Basin countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Cameron, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville). The majority were from the DRC.

It addressed the profound challenges facing the Congo Basin. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, emphasizing agroecology as the cornerstone of sustainable food systems and climate adaptation strategies.

Over 49 ideas were presented and were grouped into nine thematic categories: 

1. Agroecological entrepreneurship; 
2. capacity building in agroecological practices; 
3. women empowerment for agroecological tradition; 
4. strengthening communities and indigenous peoples as part of the agroecology transition; 
5. research and document on agroecology; 
6. restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity; 
7. promoting consumption of local products; 
8. advocacy for policies and frameworks conducive to food sovereignty and agroecology; 
9. and strengthening youth movements as part of the agroecology transition. 

Each of the nine groups developed a clear plan, identifying in detail the partners that they want to work with and choosing a coordinator for each of these working groups.

The Congo Basin is  a vital ecological treasure that houses Africa’s most extensive rainforest, dubbed the “lung of Africa.” This event aimed to address the pressing matters of biodiversity conservation, food sovereignty, and climate change in the vast and vital Congo Basin region.

“The summit confronts the interconnected challenges of food systems, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. Our aim is to galvanize the diverse voices in the region, advocating for food sovereignty and a transition to agroecology. 

It is imperative for policymakers and donors to recognize that an industrial food system is not the answer for the Congo Basin. Our genuine hope is rooted in a comprehensive approach, addressing the array of challenges facing both the region and broader Africa. This encapsulates the spirit of agroecology – a holistic response to intricate problems. 

There is a deluge of funding flowing into the Region, mainly for conservation. We wanted to explore how this funding helps the transition to sustainable and healthy food systems, having people at the centre in the context of the climate crisis. ” Dr. Million Belay, AFSA General Coordinator

"The convening has a crucial role to play. There is a pressing need for regional cooperation and synergy to protect the Congo Basin. As the continent grapples with interconnected food systems challenges, the emphasis on food sovereignty and the transformative potential of agroecology has never been more pertinent. Our shared ecological and cultural legacy rests in the delicate balance of the Basin's ecosystems. By championing food sovereignty and prioritizing agroecological approaches, we pave the way for climate-resilient sustainable futures."  Hon. José Mpanda Kabangu, Minister of Agriculture of the DRC

By organizing this summit, AFSA created a melting pot of ideas, with diverse stakeholders, from governmental bodies to grassroots conservationists, participating in crucial dialogues. These discussions yielded strategies that merge ancestral knowledge with contemporary conservation methods, all under the overarching theme of a changing climate.

“The Congo Basin, spanning six nations, is not merely our planet’s lung, but the very heartbeat of over 60 million lives. These forests represent more than carbon sinks; they are the lifeblood of diverse food systems and cultures. As the DRC navigates dire environmental shifts, our indigenous communities stand on a precipice, balancing development, conservation, food security, and their quest for justice. This convening is our rallying call, urging us to embrace agroecology as a holistic solution to the intertwined challenges of climate change and food sovereignty.” Josué ARUNA, Executive Director of Congo Basin Conservation Society (CBCS)

Kinshasa declaration 

The convening culminated in a series of actionable outcomes, including comprehensive reports, a detailed database cataloging key issues and actors, official position statements, and a roadmap for advocacy at both national and regional levels. It came up with the Kinshasa declaration, which was submitted to the Secretary-Generals of the ministries of agriculture, environment and youth. The organisers also submitted the declaration to the agriculture advisor of the President.

Calling action for Donors and development partners

1. Financial support: Establish and contribute to funding mechanisms that support sustainable development, conservation and agroecology initiatives in the Congo Basin. Ensure that these mechanisms are accessible to local communities and stakeholders.
2. Technology transfer: Providing technical assistance and technology transfer to improve agro-ecological practices, sustainable land management and climate resilience.
3. 
   Capacity building: Working with local organisations and governments to build the capacity of institutions working in the field of conservation and sustainable development. This includes providing training, resources and expertise.
4. Research funding: Allocate resources to research aimed at filling the gaps in agro-ecology, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change in the Congo Basin.