Kinshasa, May 5th, 2026 (CPA) – A new investment paradigm for the conservation of transboundary landscapes in Central Africa, integrating the private sector, has been recommended at the end of a meeting on the environmental program “NaturAfrica,” held in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It is no longer only about relying on traditional conservation grants, but rather about identifying and developing opportunities for the private sector, while also valuing the economic potential of rural landscapes with high biodiversity value. This dynamic must also benefit local populations and communities,” said Steven Peedell, head of the EU/Cameroon delegation team and one of the facilitators of the “NaturAfrica” program. “Today we are concluding this two-day workshop. We had very intense, rich and particularly interesting discussions, involving authorities, operators, conservationists, donors, as well as all stakeholders in the conservation sector and the development of the green economy,” he added.
Participants recommended strengthening inter-state cooperation for the conservation of these transboundary landscapes, in line with the vision of the EU environmental program.
“This is precisely where a network like NaturAfrica makes sense. It allows for sharing needs, pooling solutions, promoting best practices and strengthening cooperation between countries. These cross-border issues certainly pose major challenges, but they also offer real opportunities,” he stressed.
“Of course, each country remains sovereign in the management of its biodiversity and in the search for economic opportunities. However, transboundary issues present important specificities: they require agreements between states, effective cooperation mechanisms and harmonized approaches,” added the EU expert. In his closing remarks, the Administrative and Financial Director of COMIFAC welcomed the conclusion of the meeting, which outlined promising initial perspectives for the program.
“During this second day, we strengthened the anchoring of our action by linking NaturAfrica with the Global Gateway, while also outlining the first promising prospects for NaturAfrica 2. We also addressed, with courage and determination, the issue of human rights and the implementation of the independent grievance mechanism, which are essential pillars of the ethics of our mission,” said François Dayang, also a facilitator. “NaturAfrica” is an initiative aimed at supporting biodiversity conservation in Africa through a people-centered and environment-focused approach. It identifies priority landscapes for conservation and development where the EU will focus its support to create jobs, improve security and sustainable livelihoods, while preserving essential ecosystems. The program is based on three pillars: biodiversity conservation, including ecological monitoring; promotion of the green economy through sustainable agriculture and renewable energy; and governance strengthening through multi-stakeholder platforms and grievance mechanisms, among others. This was the second meeting of the Strategic Orientation Committee of the EU environmental program NaturAfrica for Central Africa, held over two days in Kinshasa.