The IRI DRC met with representatives of the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) to deepen collaboration and align efforts on forest governance, land rights, and sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A Unified vision for inclusive governance
The discussion highlighted IRI DRC’s progress in creating a national interfaith network that links provinces such as Tshopo, Ituri, North and South Kivu, Maniema, Équateur, and Moanda, with plans to expand to Lomami and Mai-Ndombe. These areas host active local chapters coordinated through IRI’s Advisory Council, which ensures alignment and consistency across initiatives.
Participants identified the main challenges ahead: expanding geographic coverage, mobilizing sufficient financial and technical resources, and strengthening coordination among local chapters. The partners also underlined the importance of building an inclusive communication system to prevent information gaps and ensure that all stakeholders are represented in the decision-making processes.
Protecting community forests and land rights
IRI DRC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for community forest concessions (CFCLs) and promoting their transparent and equitable management. The organization also plays an active role in shaping national forest policies that integrate the priorities and knowledge of local and Indigenous communities, ensuring that their rights to land and natural resources are recognized and respected.
“Our goal is to align policy reform with the ethical and spiritual responsibility of protecting Creation — for both people and planet,”
said Ana O., summarizing IRI’s approach to advocacy in the DRC.
This integrated strategy strengthens the impact of advocacy and promotes fairer and more sustainable forest governance, a goal shared by both IRI DRC and CAFI.
