Kongo Central: data collection for the 7th national report on biodiversity

Matadi, January 12^th, 2025 (CPA). – A meeting to collect provincial data on biodiversity in Kongo Central has brought together in Matadi,  in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the representatives of public services involved in nature-related sectors with a view to preparing the seventh national report on biodiversity (7RNB), CPA has learned on Monday from an administrative source. ‘The preparation of the 7RNB has required the collection of clear and reliable information in the field, through missions deployed in several provinces of the country, in order to document the initiatives, programmes, policies and strategies implemented in the area of biodiversity,’ has declared Mr John Mukanya Bukasa, head of the national environmental coordination delegation. He has explained that the data collected from stakeholders and communities living in direct contact with biodiversity will be used to consolidate a report that accurately reflects national and provincial realities. For his part, the provincial environment coordinator, Pasconet Kueyitualamo, has stressed that this provincial data collection session is an important step in the national process, recalling that the exchanges, data collected and information shared are essential contributions to accurately documenting DRC’s progress, challenges, good practices and priorities in terms of biodiversity. ‘These contributions will make it possible to highlight the specific characteristics of Kongo Central, particularly with regard to ecosystem management, environmental governance, the integration of biodiversity into development sectors and the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples,’ has indicated Mr Kueyitualamo. The provincial coordinator has also welcomed the support of provincial authorities, technical services, civil society, the private sector, academia, and technical and financial partners. The closing of this provincial session, he has said, does not mark the end of the process, but a decisive step towards national data consolidation and the finalisation of a robust, evidence-based report capable of guiding public policy, mobilising resources and strengthening the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The participants in this work come from departments working in partnership with nature, including the Ministry in charge of Climate Economy, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Mines, Hydrocarbons, Land Use Planning, Planning, Budget, Finance and Health. ACP/