The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has received $19.47 million from the World Bank's Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for its efforts in reducing 3.89 million tons of carbon emissions through forest protection and restoration in the Mai-Ndombe province. This marks the first payment under a broader agreement that could potentially unlock up to $55 million for further emission reductions totaling 11 million tons.
A substantial portion of these funds is designated for local communities and Indigenous Peoples actively participating in conservation efforts. Once verified, these emission reductions are converted into carbon credits, with the DRC receiving 1.7 million credits available for market sale as high-quality carbon credits, offering opportunities to attract private investment and advance climate goals.
The Jurisdictional Emission Reductions Program targets Mai-Ndombe province, known for its rich biodiversity within the Congo Basin—the world's largest net carbon sink. The program aims to balance poverty reduction with resource conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation while providing sustainable alternatives to deforestation.
Over 120,000 people are expected to benefit from this initiative through sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices aimed at improving livelihoods. The program will manage 400,000 hectares sustainably, create economic opportunities via forest value chains and ecotourism, generate approximately 2,000 jobs locally, support provincial institutions with infrastructure investments across eight territories, and rehabilitate over 900 kilometers of rural roads.
"This achievement reflects the determination of the Democratic Republic of Congo to manage our forests responsibly and create opportunities for our people," stated Eve Bazaiba Masudi, Minister of State and Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development in DRC. She emphasized that the Mai-Ndombe program not only protects vital ecosystems but also benefits communities directly by strengthening local livelihoods.
To ensure equitable distribution of funds among those contributing on the ground, a transparent Benefit Sharing Plan was developed by the DRC government in consultation with local stakeholders. This plan ensures fair distribution among local communities, Indigenous Peoples, customary authorities, and other partners within Mai-Ndombe jurisdiction while focusing on vulnerable groups like women and youth.
Albert G. Zeufack from the World Bank congratulated DRC on reaching this milestone: "This payment recognizes the country’s progress in protecting its forests and creating new opportunities for communities." He highlighted that this program serves as a model for how finance can support development while delivering tangible benefits to those reliant on forests.
Patrice Savadogo from the World Bank noted that previous initiatives laid crucial groundwork: "The Improved Forested Landscape Management Project laid the groundwork for more sustainable land and forest practices in DRC." He added that current efforts build upon this foundation by generating measurable results—reducing emissions while supporting livelihoods—and contribute significantly toward global climate solutions.