President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo has unveiled an initiative for African forested nations - the C-15 Climate Justice Initiative. The initiative aims to incorporate natural capital – the total value of natural resources such as forests, water and biodiversity - in the calculation of a nation’s GDP.
In a speech at COP29, President Nguesso reminded that the Republic of Congo, home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, has been a global leader in forest conservation and carbon emission reduction. For its efforts, the country is set to receive approximately $8 million in carbon offset payments, showcasing the financial viability of sustainable forestry practices.
To further global reforestation efforts, the Republic of Congo has submitted a resolution to the UN General Assembly for the adoption of a Global Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation. This aligns with the Paris Agreement, which President Sassou Nguesso reaffirmed as a critical framework for climate action, despite noting shortfalls in pledged climate financing.
President Nguesso highlighted the nation’s longstanding commitment to environmental preservation, stating, “The Republic of Congo has placed environmental issues at the heart of its national policy and international engagement for nearly half a century.”
“The transition we seek cannot succeed without innovative financial mechanisms that open new avenues for development focused on resilience, sustainability and carbon neutrality. This challenge is ours,” President Nguesso concluded.
