Global perspective Human stories

CLIMATE CHANGE FOCUS: DR Congo Prospers from Environmental Protection

Market gardens have been established in coastal zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo which provide employment, food and help to protect the environment. (March 2018)
UNDP/Clotilde Goeman
Market gardens have been established in coastal zones of the Democratic Republic of the Congo which provide employment, food and help to protect the environment. (March 2018)

CLIMATE CHANGE FOCUS: DR Congo Prospers from Environmental Protection

Climate and Environment

Families in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are being supported by their government and the United Nations to protect the environment and build what the UN Development Programme calls “climate-resilient lives.”

The production and sale of energy-efficient stoves livestock in the coastal zone of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is helping to reduce the cutting down of mangrove tress for firewood. (March 2018)
UNDP/Clotilde Goeman

People in the coastal region of the vast African country are being encouraged to combat the effects of climate change by changing the way they live and work.

A young man who used to cut down mangrove trees to turn into charcoal is now making a living by manufacturing and selling energy efficient stoves. The eradication of protective mangrove forests can lead to flooding and increased coastal erosion.

And small market gardens have been established to provide employment to women, improve the supply and quality of food locally and increase environmental sustainability.

Read more here, about how small changes in routine, lifestyle and behavior can have a major impact on the environment.