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The Solution
A strict and rigorous review of the legality of existing logging permits must result in the cancellation of all permits awarded in violation of the May 2002 moratorium. The DRC government, the World Bank and other donors also need to extend and reinforce this moratorium on new logging permits.
The moratorium should be lifted only once a comprehensive and participatory zoning plan defining types of land use is established, effective governance in the forest sector is guaranteed, the legal framework completed, and classified forests identified. The new DRC Forestry Code requires that protected forests represent at least 15 percent of the national territory (as opposed to 7.7 percent at present). Identification of these areas must begin rapidly.
In parallel, it is necessary to clean up the logging practices and to develop sustainable ways of managing the forest. To do so, it is essential to invest in the promotion of non-destructive forest use (community forests, protected areas, tourism, etc). These will create revenue for the State while benefiting local communities and keeping the forest ecosystem intact.
In the development of alternatives to industrial logging, the challenge posed by climate change may offer financial resources to prevent forests from being sacrificed for short-term economic interests.
It's the future of the forests of the Congo and its inhabitants that are at stake.
The moratorium should be lifted only once a comprehensive and participatory zoning plan defining types of land use is established, effective governance in the forest sector is guaranteed, the legal framework completed, and classified forests identified. The new DRC Forestry Code requires that protected forests represent at least 15 percent of the national territory (as opposed to 7.7 percent at present). Identification of these areas must begin rapidly.
In parallel, it is necessary to clean up the logging practices and to develop sustainable ways of managing the forest. To do so, it is essential to invest in the promotion of non-destructive forest use (community forests, protected areas, tourism, etc). These will create revenue for the State while benefiting local communities and keeping the forest ecosystem intact.
In the development of alternatives to industrial logging, the challenge posed by climate change may offer financial resources to prevent forests from being sacrificed for short-term economic interests.
It's the future of the forests of the Congo and its inhabitants that are at stake.
