DR Congo hands over nearly 850,000 hectares of rainforest to indigenous and local communities

DR Congo is set to transfer 847,818 hectares of rainforest to Indigenous Peoples and local communities in what is being described as the country's largest one-day recognition of community lands. This move is formalised through 31 Local Community Forest Concession (CFCL) titles. Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, Director of Tropenbos Democratic Republic of Congo, said, "Today is a landmark in the history of community forestry in the DRC. It is an exceptional, unique, and great day."

The move strengthens community control over forests in Tshopo Province, where more than 1.2 million hectares are now under community stewardship. Tshopo Province has recorded the highest tree cover loss among all provinces in the DRC since 2002. The announcement coincides with global efforts to meet the "30×30" target under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Marie Andolea, a member of the local community and active member of the BAVAZILI CFCL in Bafwasende Territory, described the titles as a form of protection for communities facing environmental destruction from illegal gold mining, saying, "Today, we are moving from the shadows into the light."

The initiative is linked to broader commitments under the Congo Basin Forest Partnership and the Belém Call to Action for the Congo Basin Forests. Communities will need continued support to turn land rights into sustainable economic opportunities. The country is also implementing a land-use planning law that prioritises community rights in forest governance.