General
The inaugural CBSI Annual Conference, held in Brazzaville from 7–9 January 2026, marked a significant milestone for environmental research and capacity building in the Congo Basin. Bringing together all 31 students supported through UK International Development funding under the Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development (CRAFT–Sustainable Development) programme, the event served as a platform to showcase early-stage research and foster collaboration among emerging scientists. Launched in 2025, the CRAFT programme is designed to train a new generation of highly qualified scientists to conduct future studies of the Congo Basin’s climate-water-forest-people system, and lobby for evidence-based decision making. The 31 bursary students have been allocated to six thematic observatories, each addressing a key area of research relevant to the sustainability and resilience of the Congo Basin: Climate and Meteorology, Hydrology and Freshwater, Vegetation, Soil and Biogeochemistry, Biodiversity, Land Cover and Land Use Change, Socio-ecology. A key highlight of the conference was a series of interviews with six selected students, one per observatory, who shared insights into their respective research topics. Speaking with enthusiasm and clarity, they explored the potential impacts of their work—from improving understanding of climate patterns and water systems, to advancing biodiversity conservation and informing sustainable land-use practices. Their perspectives underscored not only the scientific relevance of their research but also its importance for local communities and long-term regional development. The conference provided an important opportunity for peer learning and networking, enabling students to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and build connections that will support their growth as researchers. It also emphasised the role of locally led scientific initiatives in addressing global environmental challenges, particularly in ecologically vital regions such as the Congo Basin. Doctoral student Cherifa Chudap Mache, University of Yaoundé I, Climate and Meteorology observatory. Doctoral Student Manuella Debi Wando, University of Kinshasa, Socio-ecology observatory. Doctoral student Jean Felly Ngandou, University of Kinshasa, Hydrology and Freshwater observatory. Doctoral student Lebon Aganze Badesire, University of Dschang, Vegetation, Soil and Biogeochemistry observatory. Doctoral student Roger Mpolo Itoto, Catholic University Congo, Biodiversity observatory. Doctoral student Styven Mahoungou, Marien Ngouabi University, Land Cover and Land Use Change observatory. Looking ahead, the programme continues to build momentum. By 2027, students are expected to produce their first substantial research findings, which will be presented at the Second CBSI Annual Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This next gathering promises to showcase not only the progress made by these young scientists but also the tangible contributions of the CRAFT–Sustainable Development programme to environmental knowledge and policy. As the journey of these researchers unfolds, their work offers a compelling glimpse into the future of sustainable development in the Congo Basin. We look forward to following their progress and invite you to engage further by watching the student interview videos and registering for our upcoming conference.
