In 2008, at the request of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) established a country programme and a project office in the capital, Kinshasa. The aim of the programme is to work with other members of the UN family to assist the government of DR Congo in its post-conflict recovery and sustainable development.
This website has been designed as a critical resource for all those interested in and involved in environmental issues in DR Congo. In addition to receiving news on the rapidly evolving UNEP Country Programme, you will find a wealth of reference material and regularly updated documents, photos, films and weblinks. All of the material here is available for download and free, non-commercial use with acknowledgement of its source.
UNEP’s programme is set in the context of DR Congo’s recovery from conflict in the 1990s and ongoing instability in the east of the country, which have brought widespread insecurity, displacement, poverty and environmental devastation. Notwithstanding these challenges, DR Congo is full of opportunities. It is also a witness to highly commendable and, in some cases, heroic efforts by national and international organizations—those aiming to help the population and conserve the natural heritage of the country.
Professionals and organizations working in DR Congo on issues linked to natural resources and the environment are encouraged to contact UNEP directly.
In 2011, UNEP undertook a post-conflict environment assessment. The assessment proposes that the Government of DRC consider four policy actions to promote sustainable wealth creation, poverty alleviation, and long-term peacebuilding. These options include:
- capitalising on the DRC’s emerging social economy to generate employment;
- maximising synergies through area-based development programming;
- integrating economic valuation of ecosystem services into all development planning and
- engaging in a ‘green economy’ transition to achieve sustainable development.
