KINSHASA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is gearing up to host the inaugural trilateral summit focusing on the conservation of the world’s tropical forests. Scheduled for August 25th in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, this summit marks a significant collaborative effort between Brazil, Indonesia, and the DRC to address crucial environmental concerns.
The forthcoming summit in Kinshasa will bring together three leaders: President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia. These leaders symbolize the Congo Basin, the Amazon rainforest, and the Borneo-Mekong Basin, respectively.
At the core of this gathering is the spotlight on the Congo Basin, of which over 60 percent is located within the national territory of the DRC. Referred to as the “lungs of Africa,” the Congo Basin stands as the world’s largest carbon sink, surpassing even the Amazon rainforest in carbon absorption. This vast rainforest spans across six countries, serving as a crucial source of sustenance for local populations, as well as being a vital habitat for endangered species.
The summit serves as a platform to address the alarming challenges faced by these critical rainforests. Over the years, rampant illegal logging, unregulated farming, and other destructive human activities have posed serious threats to these natural habitats. This initiative underscores the urgent need to safeguard the invaluable biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The leaders of these three nations will engage in discussions on strategies to promote forest conservation, combat illegal logging, foster sustainable development, and implement a global approach to protect biodiversity. Aspects such as financing mechanisms, green technologies, and international collaboration will likely be key topics of deliberation.
It’s crucial to recognize that rainforests globally are pivotal to the health of our global ecosystem, regulating climate and providing a plethora of ecological, social, and economic benefits. This partnership signifies a positive stride towards stronger protection of our natural heritage, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. Through such collaborations, the international community can collectively address the urgent need for responsible and effective tropical forest preservation.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
