The CBLI is a UNEP-led, multi-country, multi-partner, collaboration that works with governments and stakeholders on different fronts to advance and catalyze transformational change in sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable management of critical forests in transboundary and national landscapes of the Congo Basin through fostering informed decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and coordinated action.
The CBLI currently leverages the GEF-funded Congo Forest Integrated Programme (Congo Forest IP) and the IKI-funded Congo Basin Peatlands Project to drive a regional collaborative agenda with governments and a wide range of partners to catalyze policy transformation and action to conserve, maintain and sustainably manage the planet’s second largest forest.
Our mission is to promote the long-term conservation and sustainable management of the Congo Basin’s ecosystems by fostering innovative, inclusive, and landscape-level approaches. We aim to strengthen transboundary cooperation, empower local communities and Indigenous peoples, and implement scalable solutions that restore degraded areas, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable livelihoods. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, we strive to drive impactful change that ensures the region’s resilience for future generations.
For a deeper dive into the Congo Basin context, see our resource page: More on the Congo Basin
Our Values
Collaboration
We build inclusive partnerships across government, civil society, Indigenous communities, and the private sector to co-create solutions.
Integrity
We uphold transparent governance, robust monitoring, and accountable implementation.
Equity
We centre the rights, knowledge, and livelihoods of local communities and Indigenous peoples.
Prudence and Learning
We apply the best available science, adapt to new evidence, and continually improve.
Stewardship
We protect ecosystems for current and future generations, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
Respect for Culture and Knowledge
We honour cultural heritage and traditional practices as living sources of insight.
Our Commitment to People and Planet
Why It Matters ?
- Approximately 130 million people live in the Congo Basin, with about two-thirds in rural areas who rely on forest resources for livelihoods, including Indigenous communities that steward cultural heritage.
- Forests face threats from deforestation, degradation, fires, large-scale agriculture, infrastructure, mining, and unsustainable wildlife exploitation.
- Climate change compounds these pressures, underscoring the need for resilient, inclusive, and science-informed approaches.
- Cross-border challenges and governance gaps heighten risk; effective land-use planning and strong forest governance are essential for lasting impact.
For a deeper dive into the Congo Basin context, see our resource page: More on the Congo Basin .