Mai Ndombe

Overview

The Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) represents a significant effort to mitigate climate change, conserve biodiversity, and improve livelihoods in one of the world's most ecologically important regions. Covering 299,640 hectares of diverse landscapes, including tropical forests and wetlands, the project aims to prevent deforestation and reduce over 175 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emissions over 30 years. Despite challenges and allegations of poor execution, the project has achieved notable successes in biodiversity conservation and community development.

Environmental impact

Situated within the Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, the Mai Ndombe project protects critical habitats for endangered species such as the Bonobo and Forest Elephant. By halting planned commercial logging and promoting sustainable land management practices, the project safeguards vital ecosystems and enhances the resilience of the Congo Basin, the world's second-largest intact rainforest. However, ongoing threats from subsistence agriculture and small-scale logging underscore the need for continued vigilance and enforcement of conservation measures.

Social benefits

The project has positively impacted approximately 50,000 people living within and around the project area by providing essential services such as education and healthcare. Through the construction of schools, mobile clinics, and healthcare facilities, as well as training programs in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, Mai Ndombe has improved access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for local communities. Despite allegations of community conflicts and dissatisfaction, the project's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demonstrate its potential to foster long-term social and economic development in the region.

Certification

Certified under the VCS and CCB Gold standards, Mai Ndombe has achieved significant emission reductions and biodiversity conservation outcomes. Despite challenges and criticisms, the project has protected critical habitats, improved well-being for local communities, and contributed to the conservation of endangered species. However, allegations of community conflicts and dissatisfaction underscore the need for continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management to address systemic issues and maximize the project's positive impact.

Documentation