Green Month campaign in Bukavu : Environmental civil society and an artist react to the impact
In Bukavu, the Green Month campaign, supported notably by the Swiss Cooperation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to generate reactions among environmental civil society actors and members of the cultural sector. Many observers say the growing involvement of the media has helped bring environmental issues—especially waste management and landscape restoration into public discussion.
For Josué Aruba, an environmental civil society advocate, the campaign could help build long-term ecological awareness among residents.
“I hope this campaign will leave a real ecological footprint in our habits in Bukavu, and that every household will feel more concerned. Together we can,” he said.
According to him, strong media coverage is essential to changing public behavior, particularly in a city facing increasing environmental challenges such as waste accumulation and environmental degradation.
In the cultural sphere, rapper and musician Didier Bahindwa also believes the campaign’s communication strategy is beginning to show visible results, especially on social media.
“Many people carry out similar initiatives, but their stories often remain in offices. Today, even in WhatsApp groups, you can see messages about the Green Month circulating. That means the communication is reaching a wider audience,” he explained.
However, the artist noted that a one-month campaign may not be enough to fully transform people’s attitudes toward environmental responsibility.
“The time may be short to change mindsets completely, but I believe the initiative will not stop with this Green Month. The media are already receiving many requests, and the impact of the communication is visible,” he added.
Bahindwa also suggested that cultural and digital actors could play a greater role in future editions of the campaign. He proposed initiatives such as a Green Festival, music competitions, or challenges involving content creators and TikTok influencers to amplify environmental awareness.
For several observers, the Green Month campaign demonstrates how collaboration between media, civil society, and the creative sector can help promote stronger environmental engagement among communities in Bukavu.
