Congo Basin communities seek role in conservation
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Indigenous people and local communities near four national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo shared their ideas for balancing forest conservation with their own rights.
Many expressed a desire to return to ancestral lands they lost when the parks were created, though not all agreed on who should manage conservation efforts. Some community members prefer the current system where authorities lead conservation, while others want more control over the land.
These communities also requested improved living conditions and better access to resources and economic opportunities. They believe these changes will help prevent environmental damage caused by people struggling to meet their basic needs. Several initiatives aim to address these concerns. Community forest concessions, programs that create local jobs, and ecotourism projects all seek to combine conservation with land rights and community needs. However, putting these plans into action has proven difficult and continues to create conflict.
