An ICCN assessment from April 2025 reports that almost 50 percent of Virunga National Park is now under the control of armed groups, including AFC‑M23 rebels, Islamist groups, local militias and the FDLR. The ICCN estimates that these groups divert about USD 30 million a year from the green economy to rebel coffers.
In response, the government issued Decree No. 25/01 on 15 January 2025, signed by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, to establish the Kivu‑Kinshasa Green Corridor (CVKK). The corridor covers nearly 550,000 square kilometers, including 285,000 square kilometers of primary forests and 60,000 square kilometers of peatlands. Officials expect the corridor to allow the annual transfer of 1 million tons of food from the Kivus to Kinshasa and say a dedicated fund will back businesses in renewable energy, agriculture and logistics. The government estimates it needs at least USD 1 billion over the next three to four years.
Authorities say the CVKK will rest on sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, community forestry and ecosystem restoration, creating hundreds of thousands of green jobs and legal alternatives to poaching. Some local officials and activists reacted cautiously, asking for traditional knowledge and community consent. Pilot initiatives in eastern DRC and Tshopo showed reduced local violence and better protection of Virunga National Park.
Difficult words
- conflict — A serious disagreement or argument.conflicts
- poverty — The state of being extremely poor.
- initiative — A new plan or program to achieve something.
- cooperation — Working together for a common goal.
- community — A group of people living in the same area.
- sustainable — Capable of being maintained without harmful effects.
- reforestation — The process of planting trees in an area.
- environmental — Related to the natural world and our impact on it.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can eco-tourism help local economies?
- What role do communities play in environmental projects?
- Why is transparent communication important in development initiatives?
- What are the potential benefits of reforestation?
Related articles
Turning Water Hyacinth into Biodegradable Sanitary Pads
Researcher Pooja Singh and colleagues used invasive water hyacinth to make eco-friendly sanitary pads. Their project won an Elsevier award in Pune and aims to reduce water and plastic pollution while supporting women in local communities.
South Asia: climate risks, money and the green transition
South Asia faces severe climate damage in Pakistan and Nepal while it seeks funds for adaptation and clean energy. International finance, private carbon markets and Chinese technology shape the region’s green transition and its challenges.
