These photos from our work with CECD in the Republic of Congo show Baka and Bakwélé community members coming together to discuss the future of their forests and communities.
At meetings in Bethel, Zouoba, and Zoulaboth, women and men shared ideas, discussed local concerns, and exchanged knowledge about the forest resources their communities depend on. One meeting focused on the first draft of customary rules developed for local communities and Indigenous Peoples in Zoulaboth, rules intended to reflect community priorities and help guide the use and protection of local forest resources.
CECD is working with communities in the Messock-Dja forest massif to strengthen local leadership and sustainable forest management. In an area facing pressure from logging, conservation restrictions, and population growth, this work helps ensure that Indigenous communities have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods.
We are proud to support CECD and the communities leading this important work.
Photo 1: Indigenous women from the village of Bethel, Souanké District, Republic of the Congo, at a community meeting.
Photo 2 & 3: Open exchange (men/women) following the Zouoba community meeting.
Photo 4: Discussion regarding the first draft of the customary rules for the local communities and indigenous peoples of Zoulaboth village.
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