COP30 in Belém: The DRC seeks to turn Its forest wealth into a driver of sustainable development
At the 30th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP30), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is determined to make its voice heard.
The Congolese Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Professor Marie Nyange, unveiled in Belém the country’s strategy to fully benefit from the opportunities offered by global climate negotiations.
“We want the world to recognize our capacity to regulate the climate,” declared the Minister.
“But we also want that recognition to be accompanied by tangible benefits that match the sacrifices we make for the world. Our forests must be maintained in good condition to continue providing these benefits for future generations, and that recognition must reach local communities and Indigenous peoples.”
A National Strategy Centered on the “Green Corridor”
At the heart of this vision lies the Green Corridor Program, an initiative of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, presented as a unique model worldwide.
The approach consists of creating community reserves to preserve biodiversity, promote a green economy, and improve the well-being of local and Indigenous communities.
“The Green Corridor is proof that the DRC is no longer just the lungs of the world—it is becoming a strategic player in global climate regulation,” emphasized Minister Nyange.
Towards a Competitive and Sovereign Carbon Market
Another key component of the DRC’s strategy is the establishment of a regulated national carbon market.
President Tshisekedi has already created the Carbon Market Regulatory Authority, designed to oversee transactions related to carbon credits generated by Congolese forests.
“We want to show the world that the DRC is now organizing its carbon market in a competitive and transparent way. No one will be able to exploit our forests without our consent. With new technologies, we will ensure traceability and guarantee that the benefits finally return to the nation and its people,” the Minister added
A Strong Message to the International Community
In Belém, the DRC is calling for the ecological value of its forests to be recognized not only in terms of conservation, but also as a global economic and climatic asset.
This position seeks to secure fair compensation for the country’s preservation efforts while steering it toward a low-carbon and inclusive development path.
Minister Nyange reaffirmed that the DRChome to the largest share of the Congo Basinintends to link climate diplomacy with environmental justice, ensuring that nature conservation becomes a true engine of social progress.
