Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) applies to all projects that have an impact on local communities, including logging, infrastructure construction, the creation or expansion of protected areas, and ecotourism. In Congo, this protection has now been strengthened by new official rules adopted at a key workshop held last June in Ignié. This major step forward aims to ensure greater equity, transparency and respect for often marginalised communities.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is contributing its field experience to this initiative. For years, it has been working directly with communities in departments such as Sangha and Likouala to facilitate dialogue and defend their rights. Its approach shows that it is possible to reconcile environmental protection with respect for local populations.
Working closely with communities in northern Congo, the WCS Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme (SWM Programme), supported by the European Union and AFD, has played a key role in this success. By collaborating with partners such as the FAO, it has helped to develop rules tailored to the Congolese reality. These new guidelines will help prevent conflicts and ensure that all stakeholders, whether companies or institutions, take better account of community rights.
This concrete step forward was made possible by the joint commitment of the Congolese government, international organisations and civil society, demonstrating that fairer development is possible.