By dedicating their forests to the conservation of biodiversity, local communities can generate sustainable income.
This project is part of a programme aimed at protecting local biodiversity and strengthening the socio-economic development of local communities in the Maï-Ndombe province. It focuses on three goals: awareness raising, community forestry and support for ecotourism.
Involving local communities and raising their awareness of the need for sustainable nature management are essential to implement effective conservation measures. The project therefore includes four awareness-raising campaigns in 18 villages in the region. The campaigns place particular emphasis on the importance of wildlife conservation and the ban on hunting and shooting protected species, in accordance with national and international laws.
With regard to community forestry, Mbou-Mon-Tour (MMT) supports and guides local communities in obtaining local community forest concessions (LCFC), in accordance with the Forestry Code of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The organisation works with the inhabitants to conserve the bonobo through the promotion of local customs and traditions, participatory community monitoring and ecotourism. In addition to preserving biodiversity, securing animal habitats and establishing local forest governance enable communities to manage their own resources.
Lastly, the ecotourism component of the project aims to develop the Maï-Ndombe's tourism potential, notably by capitalising on the presence of bonobos and other protected species. By dedicating their forests to the conservation of biodiversity, local communities have the opportunity to generate sustainable income.
The management of income from ecotourism by local communities, supervised by MMT, has already enabled the construction of health centres, the purchase of medicines and the rehabilitation of schools. By continuing this project, MMT intends to strengthen the tourist circuit by improving the services offered through the construction of ecological bungalows, the installation of a solar energy system and the acquisition of means of transport. To further enhance the site’s appeal, the project plans to build the capacity of women from eight villages bordering the bonobo habitats as tourist guides, restaurant owners and hosts.
