The Democratic Republic of Congo hosted the last pre-COP27 meeting, in Kinshasa, the capital. CfRN’s Federica Bietta and Kevin Conrad were in attendance, along with around 60 ministers who hailed from five continents. Federica Bietta said the DRC “showed the warmest hospitality to all, including dynamic local entertainment and amazing food.”

Setting the stage for a successful COP27

The DRC showed strong leadership, setting the stage for a successful COP27, Bietta emphasized. Congolese Environment Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Her Excellency Ève Bazaiba Masudi called on developed nations to respect past financial pledges, and to endorse proposals to compensate countries for climate-inflicted damage.

The DRC and the Congo Basin Rainforest

The DRC holds 60 percent of the Congo Basin rainforest – the second largest rainforest on the planet – within its boundaries. Her Excellency emphasized the importance of preserving the powerful carbon sinks in rainforests and peatland in achieving the agreed Paris climate goals. CfRN’s Federica Bietta concurred. She said, “we are proudly helping the Democratic Republic of Congo on their journey to save their forest.”

(Above) Congolese Environment Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Her Excellency Ève Bazaiba Masudi, flanked by Federica Bietta, Kevin Conrad, and other participants.