24-10-2023 14:30
Saving the Congo Basin and providing development opportunities

Hearings DEVE
Congo basin
Congo basin © Adobe Stock

The Committee on Development, held a public hearing on 24 October to discuss ‘Team Europe initiative: saving the Congo Basin and providing development opportunities for Congo Basin countries’, moderated by Hildegard Bentele (EPP, DE) and Malte Gallée (The Greens/EFA, DE)

The Congo Basin is one of the three essential "lungs" of the planet, but its unique tropical forest is in danger of being depleted. This is happening in the context of the rising global demand for rare minerals, leading to increases in deforestation and degradation right across Central Africa which has a very detrimental impact on the environment and on development of the region.

The Committee on Development held a hearing to discuss on the implementation of the COP26 international climate finance commitments focussing on establishing funding mechanisms for standing forests, on the various financial instruments available as well as on removing structural barriers to allow for more private funding.

On the other hand, the hearing discussed on how to promote responsible mining in line with the principles of sustainable development and development cooperation, to avoid adverse development impact on the environment and local and indigenous communities.