A unique project which aims to give indigenous forest peoples a voice in the forest management process within the Congo Basin has attracted World Bank funding.
The project, submitted by the Tropical Forest Trust (TFT) and logging company Congolaise Industrielle des Bois (CIB), is one of 30 winners from 2,700 entries in the World Bank’s Development Marketplace Global Competition.
The aim is to establish the first indigenous semi-nomadic forest peoples’ language radio station in the Congo Basin, which will help CIB involve them in its decision-making – a key requirement in the company’s pursuit of Forest Stewardship Council certification.
TFT executive director Scott Poynton said communication with forest peoples in the region was very difficult as they were non-literate and semi-nomadic.
CIB’s Robert Hunink said: “It helps us overcome the literacy divide and really will empower these important communities to have a voice in our decision making. We’re excited to be leading such an innovative approach to forest management.”
The project also involves Dr Jerome Lewis of the London School of Economics and Political Science, plus the UK-based Forest Peoples’ Programme.
