Republic of Congo launches United Nations Decade for afforestation

President Denis Sassou N'Guesso of the Republic of Congo officially launched the United Nations Decade on Afforestation and Reforestation for the period 2027 to 2036 in the village of Impani.

The event took place during the 40th National Tree Day to mark the beginning of a ten-year international initiative aimed at preserving biodiversity and developing green economies.

The ceremony included several African leaders, including the presidents of Burundi, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the vice-president of Gabon. Khalilur Rahman, the president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, also attended the event to support the initiative that member states voted for in April 2025. During the ceremony, President Sassou N'Guesso planted an avocado tree as part of a donation of 2,000 plants from Burundi.

The reforestation project covers 23 hectares and follows specific technical rules, such as spacing trees 2 meters apart for forest species and 4 to 6 meters apart for fruit trees like eucalyptus, pines, acacias, and avocados. Rosalie Matondo, the Minister of Forestry Economy, noted that the president established the National Tree Day in 1984. Khalilur Rahman urged the country to focus on concrete results, increased funding at the next COP 31, and involving youth through training and employment.