DRC – Forests, an important reserve of biodiversity

The DRC's topography is highly diverse, with a large basin in the center and west, bordered to the east and south by high plateaus. The eastern part of the country is dominated by a volcanic chain interspersed with lakes. Vegetation defines three main natural regions: dense rainforest in the central basin and west; dry forests and savannas in the south and along the northern fringe; and mountain ecosystems along the eastern border. With 135 million hectares of forest covering the national territory, the DRC is one of the world's largest forested countries, possessing more than half of the Congo Basin rainforest.

415 mammal species, 11,000 plant species, 1,117 bird species, and nearly 1,000 fish species have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone. Forest elephants, gorillas, bonobos, and okapis are among the most emblematic species of this extraordinary biodiversity. The DRC boasts five natural sites recognized as World Heritage Sites, more than all other African countries combined. Biodiversity preservation in the DRC is primarily ensured by the protected areas system. It is therefore crucial to manage these areas effectively so that they continue to play their role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.