Posted on November, 19 2024

WWF International’s Director General Kirsten Schuijt, accompanied by Prasanna De Silva, WWF Chief of Country Offices Division, concluded a three-day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on November 14. Her visit not only underscored WWF’s commitment to conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions but also brought a heartfelt connection to the organization’s staff in Kinshasa. For many, her warmth and encouragement were a much-needed boost during a period of change and transition.

Strengthening Conservation and Partnerships

Kirsten Schuijt’s first visit to DRC was a testament to WWF’s global dedication to the country’s rich biodiversity and the vital role it plays in climate change mitigation. During her stay, she attended Salonga Day, highlighting the significance of Salonga National Park as a beacon of conservation.

The second edition of this event was organized with the aim of showcasing the Salonga National Park, presenting the progress made and the major challenges ahead, and motivating all stakeholders to continue their support. The park, Africa’s largest tropical rainforest and a critical carbon sink, is co-managed by WWF and the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN).

“Salonga’s removal from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites in Danger in 2021 is a remarkable achievement,” Kirsten Schuijt noted in her speech at Salonga Day. “It reflects years of commitment from both the Congolese government and WWF. But the challenges are far from over. Salonga’s vast size, logistical hurdles, and the hardships faced by surrounding communities demand renewed focus and collaboration.”

Through her meetings with key donors, including the EU, USAID, and KfW, and with officials of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), Kirsten Schuijt emphasized the need for continued support to preserve Salonga’s ecological integrity while improving livelihoods for communities living on its periphery.

A Warm Connection with WWF DRC Staff

A highlight of the visit was Kirsten’s interaction with WWF staff in Kinshasa on the final day. Staff in field offices attended the meeting via Zoom link. In a heartfelt meeting, she shared her passion for conservation and her deep appreciation for the work being done in the DRC often under difficult conditions.

Kirsten expressed her appreciation for the leadership played by Martin Kabaluapa, WWF Congo Basin Director and Laurent Somé, WWF DRC interim Country Director and recognized also the tireless efforts of all the staff in very challenging circumstances.

“The Congo Basin, with its vast intact forests, is critical to our planet’s health and deserve more attention and increased support. Much emphasis have been placed on the Amazon or Borneo but the Congo Basin contains even more intact forests than any other region in the world and for this reason we have to focus more our effort in the region” she said.

In a world experiencing major shifts at the global scale characterized by the rise of BRICS+ countries, Kirsten Schuijt also highlighted the opportunities for WWF DRC to strengthen ties with countries like Brazil and Indonesia, given the importance of the forests harbored by these three countries, by leveraging the global and expertise within the WWF Network.

Prasanna De Silva, WWF Chief of Country Offices Division, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing turnaround strategy for WWF in the DRC: “this strategy is not focused merely on personnel changes, but rather on ensuring the organization is fit for purpose to meet its conservation ambitions. It is a commitment to maintaining a relentless focus on progress, emphasizing collaboration and individual responsibility among all staff members” he said.

Looking Ahead

Kirsten Schuijt’s visit comes at a pivotal moment for WWF DRC as it rolls out an ambitious five-year vision for the Salonga Landscape. With a focus on enhanced park management, community collaboration, and sustainable solutions, the initiative aims to secure a brighter future for the region’s biodiversity and its people.

As Kirsten Schuijt departed Kinshasa, she left behind a strong message of hope ensuring staff of her commitment to listening to them. Her words sought to empower the staff, affirming her support and commitment to their collective mission. In times of challenges, she reassured them that they would not face these hurdles alone: “The road ahead won’t always be easy, but together, we can achieve extraordinary things and rest assured that I am committed to support you in both good and bad times” she said.

Replying to her words, Laurent Somé, WWF-DRC interim Country Director said: “we commit to do also our part in return to the support that you marked by your visit.” For WWF DRC, this visit was more than just a milestone—it was a reminder of the power of shared purpose and the strength of WWF network solidarity. Kirsten Schuijt promised to visit DRC again next year.