DRC: National dialogue on the recognition of indigenous territories opens in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, September 22 nd, 2026 (CPA).- A three-day national dialogue on the recognition and the strengthening of governance of Indigenous and Community Heritage Areas and Territories (APAC) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has opened on Tuesday in Kinshasa, CPA has learnt from the organisers. “This national dialogue forms part of aseriesof initiatives to promote the governance and recognition of areas and territories conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities,” has explained Joseph Itongwa, National Executive Director of the National Alliance for the Support and Promotion of Areas and Territories Conserved by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (ANAPAC-DRC).“Thisdialogue aims to take stock of progress made in promoting these areas. As you know, the territories, lands and resources managed by indigenous peoples are renowned for their richand intact biodiversity,” he has added. Mr Itongwa has specified that this framework fordiscussion will help to reposition the strategic role of local communities and indigenous peoples (Mbuti, Batwa, Aka) in the conservation of DRC’s forests. He has highlighted the progress made in community-led mapping, which began several years ago, despite the insecurity plaguing the east of the country. “Since 2012, we have been engaged in the process of identifying these areas and currently there are more than 40 community-managed conservation areas. We have identified more than 30 mapped areas and more than10 have already been secured through the Local Communities’ Forest Concession (CFCL) scheme,” has continued the director of ANAPAC. According to the source, DRC’s experiences have also inspired the sub-region in Central Africa. The delegates from indigenous communities in the provinces of Tshopo, Ituri, Nord and Sud-Kivu, Maniema, Equateur, Kasai and Sankuru are actively participating in this work. Their direct contributionswill help to finalise a national advocacy roadmap and a shared assessment of the legalobstacles to the recognition of their land rights. Organised by the Ministry in charge oftheEnvironment (MEDD-NEC) with the support of the IUCN, the UN Human Rights Council (CNUDHD-AC) and ANAPAC-DRC, these meetings aim to secure legal protection for areas essential to biodiversity ahead of COP17 this coming October. ACP/