DRC to host an inaugural summit on global tropical forest conservation with Brazil and Indonesia

shutterstock 2201569789 Large
Wildfire disaster in tropical forest caused by human

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced its role as the host for the pioneering trilateral summit focusing on the conservation of the world’s major tropical forests. The meeting, scheduled for 25th August in Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital, is poised to be a monumental gathering of leaders, representing three of the largest rainforests on the globe.

According to a recent press release by the Congolese presidency, the summit will see the participation of DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. These representatives symbolise the ecological and cultural importance of the Congo Basin, the Amazon rainforest, and the Borneo-Mekong Basin respectively.

This gathering in Kinshasa is anticipated to thrust the Congo Basin into global limelight. Covering an expansive area, over 60% of the Congo Basin lies within the national borders of the DRC. Often referred to as the “lungs of Africa”, this unique ecosystem surpasses even the renowned Amazon in its carbon absorption capacity, making it the world’s premier carbon sink. The basin, which stretches across six nations, plays a quintessential role in sustaining life in the region. Beyond being a life source for local and indigenous communities, it ensures food security and is a sanctuary for numerous endangered species.

The summit is expected to highlight and address the pressing issues surrounding the preservation of these vital tropical forests. By bringing together leaders from regions representing a substantial portion of the world’s rainforests, it underscores the global significance of this initiative.

The world will be watching Kinshasa closely later this month, hoping that this trilateral partnership can pave the way for stronger collaborative efforts to safeguard our planet’s green lungs.

More from Qonversations

International

Screenshot 2024 11 21 at 4.09.07 PM

Google’s monopoly crisis: The antitrust showdown explained

Featured

Screenshot 2024 11 19 at 5.24.49 PM

Gig work in Mexico city: Empowerment or exploitation?

Global Affairs

Screenshot 2024 11 14 at 6.01.11 AM

Bitcoin hits $90K: Is crypto on a historic bull run or bubble?

Featured

Screenshot 2024 11 13 at 11.15.05 AM

Did you know? Sound travels four times faster in water than in air

Front of mind