OUR OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of the program is that extractive industries (mining, oil and palm oil) contribute to the development of a green economy while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.OUR ACTIVITIES
Managing these sectors requires the involvement of all stakeholders. WWF is working with civil society organizations and other stakeholders within the sector to help:- Monitor the exploitation of natural resources (timber, minerals and oil)
- Reform legislation and ensure regulations on hydrocarbons, mining and nature conservation are followed Develop a framework for consultation so that stakeholders, particularly local communities and indigenous peoples, can have a say, assert their rights, and demand their share of the benefits
- Secure protected areas and develop land-use plans, particularly for mining and oil.
- We support the creation of a government institution (Congolese Environment Agency) to evaluate and approve environmental and social impact assessments, and monitor their implementation.
- Additionally, we advocate for an independent national observer to verify that environmental and social measures are enforced. This observer should be fully recognized by the government and present at both central and provincial levels to ensure close monitoring.
OUR STRATEGIES
Inside protected areas: we want to stop all exploitation of natural resources that affect and threaten biodiversity and ecological systems. We particularly target the Virunga, Itombwe and Salonga protected areas. Outside protected areas: we work with all stakeholders to effectively improve exploitation practices through:
- Supporting new laws, regulations and the development of social and environmental standards of international quality
- Supporting civil society to monitor the impacts of natural resource exploitation
- Collaborating with WWF China for a Global Shift Initiative to encourage Chinese companies to abide by laws and regulations
- Promoting best exploitation practices based on recognized national and international standards
- Supporting micro-zoning and land management of priority landscapes to integrate mining and agro-industries in ways that don’t compromise ecological balance and that respect high conservation value sites.
