As the largest green lung on the planet after the Amazon, the Congo Basin (CB) has exceptional natural assets that make it a key resource in global efforts to combat climate change. But to turn this potential into reality, one crucial factor must be strengthened: education of the region’s future generations.
by Gode Bola, CBSI Secretariat, U of Kinshasa
On Thursday 29 May 2025, the British Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosted a Congo Basin Evening, attended by the UK Special Representative for Nature, Ms. Ruth Davis OBE, in honour of students selected for the first series of Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI) Scholarships. The awards are funded by UK International Development, as part of a major CBSI affiliate project, Congo Rainforest Alliance for Forest Training for Sustainable Development (CRAFT-Sustainable Development), under the UK government’s Congo Basin Forest Action Programme. The programme aims to promote scientific knowledge to confront the challenges of climate change. The scholarships are awarded to nationals of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo.
From left to right, selected students and delegates: Génie Lutonadio (Hydrology and Freshwater PhD), Gode Bola (CBSI Secretariat, U of Kinshasa), Mungufeni Odhipio (Hydrology and Freshwater MSc), Ruth Davis OBE (Special Representative for Nature, UK), Christian Lema (Climate and Meteorology PhD), David Ushindi Chishugi (Land Cover and Land Use Change PhD), Jean-Felly Ngandu (Hydrology and Freshwater PhD)
The scholarships represent much more than financial support: they are strategic investments in the future of the Congo Basin and the world. Each scholarship is designed to train students in data collection and analysis across a range of disciplines, including climate, water, soil, vegetation, biodiversity, and social sciences.
With its tropical forest stretching over 240 million acres in Central Africa, and the immense hydrological potential of its rivers and streams, the CB has ample resources to become a solution to global climate issues. The reception at the British Embassy was an opportunity to highlight the importance of the CB and the crucial role of the selected students in improving our understanding and strengthening the CB’s voice as a strategic player on a global scale.
“It is important that we have this scientific support to know the value of our forests and our water resources. This support will enable us to better understand our resources.”
Tosi Mpanu Mpanu, Special Advisor to the Head of State on the Environment.
Why are these scholarships so important?
1
Training local experts
Students from the CB region will drive change in their field. The scholarships will give them access to high-quality training, international scientific visits, and advanced scientific resources to elucidate the complexity of the long-unexplored ecosystems of the Congo Basin.
2
Delivering local solutions
The scholarships will encourage local innovation, applied research, and community projects led by a new generation of scientists. They will be able to develop solutions tailored to the realities of Central Africa: resilient agriculture, sustainable forest management, water conservation, etc.
3
Reducing inequalities in access to education
Many talented scientists cannot afford to pursue higher or specialised education. The scholarships offer an opportunity to address this injustice by giving a fair chance to people from all countries in the Congo Basin, including those in rural and marginalised areas.
How does the Congo Basin as a region stand to benefit?
The CB is rich in resources, with 13% of the world’s freshwater reserves, over 145 million hectares of forest, and enormous hydroelectric potential (particularly with the Congo River). The new expertise will enable the development of sustainable strategies to preserve, restore and exploit these resources while combating deforestation, pollution and overexploitation.
“This first cohort of students will strengthen efforts to improve local livelihoods and strengthen applied research in the heart of the Congo Basin, one of the world’s most important ecosystems.”
Ruth Davis OBE, Special Representative for Nature of the United Kingdom
By training their own scientists, negotiators, engineers and activists, CB countries will be able to play a pivotal role on the international climate stage and take the lead within regional climate initiatives.
Climate scholarships promote the emergence of green start-ups, ecological agricultural cooperatives, reforestation initiatives and renewable energy. This will help create sustainable jobs and strengthen the local economy while protecting the environment.
Working together to build solutions
The programme, which aims to transform the lives of communities in the region, was warmly received by participants.
Alyson King OBE, British Ambassador to the DRC, emphasised, “We affirm our commitment to working together to build solutions and strengthen the CB’s voice on the international stage.”
“It is important that we have this scientific support to know the value of our forests and our water resources. This support will enable us to better understand our resources,” said Tosi Mpanu Mpanu, Special Advisor to the Head of State on the Environment.
“Our connection and partnership for the protection of the Congo Basin forest is based on a mutual understanding of the functioning and hidden values of this ecosystem,” added Ruth Davis OBE, Special Representative for Nature of the United Kingdom.
Investing in a new generation of scientists is investing in the planet
In the face of the global climate emergency, the CB must be at the heart of international, regional and local agendas. Targeted scientific support is a powerful tool for unlocking the region’s human potential, strengthening the resilience of its ecosystems and positioning the CB as an African leader in sustainable development.
This is not just an opportunity for the beneficiaries. It is a commitment to the future of the Congo Basin and humanity.
