Kinshasa, May 24th, 2026 (CPA).- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
owner of a forest heritage of global significance, believes that its participation in carbon markets should not be reduced to a mere commercial opportunity, but should rather aim to achieve tangible benefits, according to a statement from the Ministry in charge of the Environment, Sustainable Development, and the New Climate Economy (MEDD-NEC), received on Sunday by CPA. “For DRC, any carbon credit project must align with the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and generate tangible benefits such as biodiversity conservation, social progress through poverty reduction, forest protection, the creation of green jobs for local communities and indigenous peoples, not to mention respect for the sovereignty of the State,” it is read. According to the statement, Ms. Marie Nyange Ndambo, Minister in charge of the Environment, Sustainable Development, and the New Climate Economy (MEDD-NEC), speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic, Felix Tshisekedi, has rejected the purely commercial approach to carbon credits. “Our country believes that the carbon mechanisms can constitute powerful levers for mobilizing large-scale climate finance, on condition that they are based on clear principles of environmental integrity, transparency, equity, and national sovereignty,” the statement continues. To reassure the investors, DRC has established the Carbon Market Regulatory Authority (ARMCA). This body ensures the traceability and environmental integrity of projects, following a decade of technical preparation with the World Bank. According to the source, in the short term, the country will enhance the available carbon credits from the Mai-Ndombe Emissions Reduction Program (PRE) before rolling out the national “Green Corridor” and PIFORES projects. The minister has concluded by calling for the activation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to ensure fair prices and put an end to speculation. Ms. Marie Nyange Ndambo has announced it during the opening session of the second day of the Global Knowledge Forum, held in Singapore, where she has delivered a strategic and committed plea regarding the future of international carbon markets. CPA/