Kinshasa, July 8, 2026 (TOP243NEWS) – The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has finalized a national forest policy, describing it as a major reform aimed at improving the governance of forest resources, strengthening environmental protection, and turning the sector into a driver of economic development, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and the New Climate Economy, Marie Nyange Ndambo, announced on Tuesday.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with Minister of Communication and Media Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, the minister said the policy represents the flagship reform undertaken by her ministry since she assumed office.
According to her, this is the first time the DRC has developed a comprehensive strategic framework outlining a national vision for the sustainable management of its forest resources. The policy seeks to strike a balance between preserving ecosystems, reducing poverty in rural communities, and unlocking the economic potential of the country’s vast forest resources.
« We are a major forest nation. We need to protect our environment while addressing poverty in rural areas, » Marie Nyange Ndambo said, praising the vision of President Félix Tshisekedi and the support of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
The minister said the policy was drafted following an extensive consultative process involving government institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and technical and financial partners. She added that the document will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval.
At the same time, the government is continuing work on a new Forest Code, which will complement the country’s updated legal framework for the forestry sector.
According to Marie Nyange Ndambo, the forest policy and the new code are expected to strengthen environmental governance and help meet requirements set by international partners, particularly under climate and forest-related financing mechanisms.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest after the Amazon. Congolese authorities aim to transform this natural wealth into a catalyst for sustainable development while strengthening biodiversity conservation and enhancing the forestry sector’s attractiveness to responsible investment.
By Mike Pakoto |TOP243NEWS