Join Us to discover exclusive resources, share insights and contribute your own content to benefit the community
Sections
About the Community of Practice (CoP)
The Congo Basin Landscapes Initiative (CBLI) Community of Practice is a collaborative space that brings together practitioners, policymakers, researchers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, civil society, development partners, donors, and the private sector to connect, exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen integrated landscape approaches across the Congo Basin.
The Community encourages open dialogue, peer learning, and collaboration around the sustainable use and management of natural resources. Through discussions, shared resources, webinars, and practical exchanges, members can learn from one another, explore emerging challenges, showcase innovative solutions, and build partnerships that contribute to healthier landscapes and more resilient communities.
Strengthening Collaboration
The CBLI Community of Practice exists to connect people, knowledge, and action across the Congo Basin.
By bringing together diverse expertise and experiences, the Community helps strengthen collaboration, promote evidence-informed decision-making, and support the implementation of integrated landscape approaches. Through peer learning, the exchange of practical solutions, and cross-sector dialogue, members contribute to more coordinated and effective landscape management across the region.
Supporting Regional Priorities
The CBLI Community of Practice contributes to the implementation of the COMIFAC Plan de Convergence by connecting practitioners, institutions, governments, researchers, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, civil society, and development partners around shared landscape challenges.
Through knowledge exchange, peer learning, and collaboration, the Community supports regional priorities for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive landscape governance.
Explore how the Community contributes to the Plan de Convergence →
Why Join the Community?
The CBLI Community of Practice brings together the people shaping the future of the Congo Basin—from field practitioners and researchers to governments, Indigenous Peoples, civil society, donors, and the private sector. It provides a collaborative space to exchange knowledge, discuss practical challenges, discover innovative approaches, and build partnerships that support more sustainable and resilient landscapes.
As a member, you can:
- Connect with peers and experts working across the Congo Basin and beyond.
- Exchange experiences, ask questions, and learn from practical solutions.
- Share publications, tools, events, and opportunities with the wider community.
- Collaborate on initiatives and identify new partnerships.
- Promote your organization's work, projects, and events.
- Access webinars, discussions, and curated knowledge resources.
By joining the Community of Practice, you become part of a growing regional network working together to strengthen integrated landscape management across the Congo Basin.
Thematic groups
The Community is organized around thematic groups that reflect key priorities for integrated landscape management across the Congo Basin. Each group contributes to one or more priorities of the COMIFAC 'Plan de Convergence' while providing members with dedicated spaces to exchange knowledge, discuss challenges, collaborate on solutions, and share practical experiences.
| Community Theme | Supports COMIFAC Priority |
|---|---|
| Integrated Landscape Management | Policy harmonization • Multi-actor participation |
| Biodiversity & Wildlife | Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity |
| Peatlands & Climate | Climate change and desertification |
| Sustainable Livelihoods | Socio-economic development |
| Governance & Planning | Forest governance |
| Knowledge & Evidence | Research and capacity development |
Each thematic group is facilitated by one or more Group Managers who help guide discussions, moderate content, and foster collaboration. Within each group, members can exchange ideas, share knowledge products, announce events, highlight funding or professional opportunities, and collaborate on initiatives. Together, these groups create dynamic spaces where practitioners can learn from one another, build partnerships, and advance integrated landscape approaches across the Congo Basin.
Biodiversity & Wildlife
Share knowledge, tools, and experiences on biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, ecological monitoring, protected areas, and efforts to address wildlife crime across the Congo Basin.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Wildlife management
Gender, youth & Social Inclusion
Promote inclusive approaches that strengthen the participation and leadership of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in landscape governance and sustainable development.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Inclusive governance
- Capacity development
Governance & Land-Use Planning
Discuss approaches to landscape governance, land-use planning, policy implementation, stakeholder participation, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and cross-sector coordination.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Forest governance
- Land-use planning
Integrated Landscape Management
Explore integrated approaches to land-use planning, governance, restoration, and sustainable development that balance biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and climate resilience across landscapes.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Policy harmonization
- Integrated planning
- Multi-stakeholder coordination
Knowledge, Monitoring & Innovation
Exchange research, monitoring approaches, geospatial tools, knowledge products, lessons learned, and innovations that support evidence-based decision-making across the Congo Basin.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Research
- Monitoring
- Capacity development
Peatlands & climate
Exchange knowledge on peatlands conservation, climate adaptation and mitigation, carbon-rich ecosystems, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Climate resilience
- Carbon-rich ecosystems
Sustainable Finance & Partnerships
Discuss financing mechanisms, investment opportunities, project development, donor engagement, and partnerships that support integrated landscape management and long-term sustainability.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Sustainable finance
- Regional cooperation
Sustainable livelihoods
Share experiences on community livelihoods, sustainable agriculture, forestry, restoration, nature-positive enterprises, and value chains that support both people and ecosystems.
COMIFAC's priorities:
- Sustainable resource use
- Socio-economic development
Getting Started
Getting involved is simple:
- Register for a Community account.
- Complete your member profile.
- Join one or more thematic groups.
- Introduce yourself to the Community.
- Participate in a discussion or ask a question.
- Share your first resource, event, or lesson learned.
How to Engage
The CBLI Community of Practice thrives through the active participation of its members.
Whether you're here to learn, connect, or contribute, there are many ways to participate. Start where you are and engage at your own pace—every contribution helps strengthen collaboration across the Congo Basin.
Your Community Journey
1. JoinCreate your account and complete your profile so other members can discover your expertise, organization, interests, and the landscapes or themes you work on. | 2. ExploreBrowse thematic groups, discover discussions, access knowledge resources, and follow topics most relevant to your work. |
3. ConnectIntroduce yourself, engage in conversations, and build relationships with practitioners, researchers, policymakers, communities, and partners from across the region. | 4. ContributeShare your experiences, publications, case studies, tools, events, opportunities, and lessons learned to help others tackle similar challenges. |
5.CollaborateParticipate in webinars, working groups, and joint initiatives. Exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and contribute to solutions that support integrated landscape management. | 6. LeadAs your experience and contributions grow, you may be invited to facilitate discussions, support thematic groups, organize knowledge-sharing activities, or contribute to collaborative products and regional initiatives. |
Getting Started
Getting involved is simple:
- Register for a Community account.
- Complete your member profile.
- Join one or more thematic groups.
- Introduce yourself to the Community.
- Participate in a discussion or ask a question.
- Share your first resource, event, or lesson learned.
- Connect with another member working on similar topics.
Participation Pathway
The CBLI Community of Practice values active participation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. As members contribute and support others, they may be recognized with increasing opportunities to shape discussions and strengthen the Community.
Growing with the Community
| Level | Who? | How You Contribute | Recognition & Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Anyone who joins the Community. | Explore resources, join discussions, attend events, and connect with peers. | Access thematic groups, discussions, resources, and community events. |
| Contributor | Members who regularly participate and share knowledge. | Ask questions, contribute discussions, upload resources, share events and lessons learned. | Greater visibility within the Community and opportunities to contribute to webinars, discussions, and collaborative activities. |
| Community Champion | Members recognized for consistently supporting knowledge exchange and collaboration. | Welcome and support new members, stimulate discussions, connect people and ideas, share expertise, promote good practices, and help grow the Community. | Recognition as a Community Champion, opportunities to co-host webinars, contribute to knowledge products, and support community activities. |
| Thematic Group Facilitator | Experienced Community Champions invited to help lead a thematic group. | Moderate discussions, curate resources, coordinate learning activities, and encourage collaboration within a thematic area. | Facilitate a thematic group, help shape discussions and activities, and work closely with the CBLI coordination team. |
Member Badges
Members can also choose badges that reflect their organization or professional affiliation, helping others identify expertise and connect more easily across the Community.
Recognition
Community Champions and Thematic Group Facilitators are not appointed through an application process. Instead, they are recognized and invited based on their sustained participation, the quality of their contributions, their willingness to support others, and their commitment to strengthening collaboration across the Congo Basin.
Community Standards
The CBLI Community of Practice is a collaborative space built on respect, inclusivity, integrity, and knowledge sharing. These standards help foster a professional environment where members can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and work together to advance integrated landscape approaches across the Congo Basin.
By participating in the Community, members agree to uphold the following principles:
These reflect the collaborative principles of the Congo Basin Landscapes Initiative and support respectful engagement among the diverse organizations, institutions, and communities working across the region.
Respect and Inclusion
- Treat all members with courtesy, professionalism, and respect.
- Foster constructive dialogue and welcome diverse perspectives, knowledge systems, and lived experiences.
- Do not engage in harassment, discrimination, intimidation, defamatory language, or behaviour that infringes on the rights, dignity, or privacy of others.
Integrity and Responsible Participation
- Share information, resources, and experiences that are relevant, accurate, and shared in good faith.
- Respect intellectual property, confidentiality, and applicable copyright requirements.
- Clearly distinguish personal views from official institutional positions unless authorized to speak on behalf of your organization.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
- Contribute in ways that encourage learning, peer exchange, and constructive collaboration.
- Share both successes and lessons learned to support continuous improvement across the Community.
- Engage respectfully with questions, feedback, and differing viewpoints.
Community Stewardship
Community moderators and Thematic Group Facilitators help maintain a respectful and productive environment. Content that is inconsistent with these standards may be reviewed or removed, and repeated or serious breaches may result in the suspension of Community privileges.
Our Shared Commitment
By registering and participating in the Community of Practice, members agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
If you encounter content that you believe does not comply with these standards, please use the reporting function so it can be reviewed by the moderation team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CBLI Community of Practice?
The CBLI Community of Practice (CoP) is an online space where people working across the Congo Basin can exchange knowledge, discuss challenges, share resources, and connect with others working on similar issues. It supports collaboration around integrated landscape management and related themes.
2. Who can join?
The Community is open to anyone interested in the sustainable management of the Congo Basin, including government institutions, researchers, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, development partners, donors, the private sector, youth, and women's organizations.
3. How do I join?
Create an account, complete your profile, and join the thematic groups that match your interests. Once registered, you can take part in discussions, access resources, and connect with other members.
4. What are the thematic groups?
Thematic groups bring together members working on similar topics. They provide dedicated spaces to discuss challenges, share knowledge, and exchange experiences around specific themes.
5. What can I do as a member?
You can:
- Join discussions.
- Ask questions and share experiences.
- Upload publications and other resources.
- Promote relevant events and opportunities.
- Participate in webinars and learning activities.
- Connect with other members across the region.
6. How can I become more involved?
The Community recognises members who regularly contribute knowledge and support others. Active members may become Contributors, Community Champions, or be invited to serve as Thematic Group Facilitators.
7. What resources are available?
The Community provides access to publications, reports, factsheets, technical guidance, StoryMaps, webinar recordings, presentations, and other knowledge products shared by CBLI and its partners.
8. Can I share my own resources?
Yes. Members are encouraged to share relevant publications, tools, case studies, events, and other resources, provided they have permission to do so and comply with the Community Standards.
9. How do I stay informed?
Visit the News and Events pages, subscribe to Community updates, and follow CBLI on social media. You can also opt in to receive notifications whenever new content is shared across the Community or within the thematic groups you follow.
10. How is the Community managed?
The Community is coordinated by a COMIFAC/CBLI team. Discussions are supported by Community administrators and Thematic Group Facilitators, who help keep discussions relevant, respectful, and aligned with the Community Standards.
11. How does the Community support the COMIFAC Plan de Convergence?
The Community supports the implementation of the COMIFAC Plan de Convergence by making it easier for people and organisations to exchange knowledge, share experience, and learn from one another across the Congo Basin.
12. Is the Community only for CBLI related projects?
No. While the Community is convened by the Congo Basin Landscapes Initiative, it is open to organisations and individuals working on issues related to sustainable landscapes in the Congo Basin.
13. Can anyone create a thematic group?
Thematic groups are created by the CBLI team based on Community needs and programme priorities. If you have an idea for a new group, you can submit it for consideration.
14. How do I become a Community Champion or Thematic Group Facilitator?
These roles are not applied for. They are offered to members who consistently contribute to discussions, share knowledge, support other members, and demonstrate a commitment to the Community.
15. Who can I contact if I need help?
If you have questions about the Community or need technical support, please contact the CBLI Community team through the Contact page.