In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Restoration Initiative (TRI) addressed severe forest degradation in the Walungu territory of South Kivu Province. This region, once teeming with rich forest cover and biodiversity, has been degraded due to unsustainable agricultural practices and overexploitation of timber resources. Furthermore, these forests serve as one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorilla. TRI’s project focused on agroforestry, reforestation, and erosion control to restore these degraded landscapes, relying heavily on the guidance of indigenous knowledge to inform decisions and restoration strategies.
Restoration and Upliftment
TRI DRC achieved notable progress in restoration and reforestation throughout its course, bringing 2,163 hectares of land under restoration and 3,145 hectares of land under improved management, subsequently restoring the value of essential ecosystem services including soil stabilization, water retention, and increased biodiversity. The project worked closely with the indigenous communities and local engagement was central to the project’s prosperity. A total of 57,086 direct beneficiaries were impacted by TRI DRC, through upskilling, the diversification of income-generating activities, and playing pivotal roles in the restoration process. The meticulous process of selecting suitable restoration species was guided by traditional knowledge courtesy of specific locals.
One of the innovative practices of the TRI project was working through the local Dimitra Clubs to increase their reach in communities . These clubs raise awareness and mobilize both communities and local authorities around environmental issues and the need to implement restoration. Dimitra Clubs contribute to reawakening community dynamics around restoration and strengthen inclusive community engagement, collective action, and gender equality.
South Kivu is one of the most densely populated provinces, with 80% of its population living below the poverty line. Community enablement was essential in driving restoration efforts and attaining notable sustainable development. Thus, the diversification of income sources and providing opportunities for alternative livelihoods, such as beekeeping, was a significant achievement. In the Lurhala Ngweshe Chiefdom, the project provided 74 beekeeping households with appropriate equipment and training to optimize production. This initiative improved the resilience of small producers and promoted sustainable economic activities that reduce pressure on natural resources.
Adapting Accordingly
The project focused on capacity building and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms. This included training community members on erosion control techniques and agroforestry practices, enhancing their ability to manage natural resources sustainably. A critical achievement of the TRI project in the DRC was its contribution to policy development. The project facilitated the creation of the Provincial Strategy for the Restoration of Forests and Landscapes in South Kivu, outlining priorities and actions for FLR and sustainable land management. This strategy represents a significant step forward as the first provincial FLR strategy in the DRC.
The Potential of Knowledge Sharing in Restoration
TRI DRC served as a testament to the importance of knowledge sharing in the context of executing effective and sustainable landscape restoration. More specifically, the importance of embracing and utilizing indigenous or traditional knowledge. The locals of the South Kivu region catalyzed the success of TRI’s project through crucial guidance and the answering of questions that no one else is entirely equipped to answer. Moving forward, South Kivu and the DRC are moving upward, in a direction of both ecological and economic development.
