Accompanying a delegation from the DRC's intergovernmental Group on Earth Observation (GEO)

This mission, organized by the One Forest Vision Initiative (OFVi) teams with the special support of IRD, served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between French and Congolese institutions and to advance scientific collaborations. It marked a key step in initiating dialogue ahead of the launch of OFVi’s activities in the DRC and laid the groundwork for enhanced support to GEO RDC, particularly in its mission to preserve tropical forests, manage land use and urban development, combat poverty, and protect natural resources.

Visit to Montpellier and Toulouse on Satellite Data Utilization: Powerful Tools for Ecosystem Preservation and Land-Use Planning

The visit began in Montpellier on May 12, with a warm welcome at the Maison de la Télédétection by the IRD Occitanie representative, in the presence of numerous research unit directors from IRD and CIRAD. The morning was dedicated to discussions around data valorization, particularly through the activities of units such as DATA TERRA, Espace Dev, TETIS, and THEIA, highlighting their potential in collecting, analyzing, and providing satellite data useful for territorial planning. The visit also included a presentation of the Dinamis system for shared access to satellite imagery.
The afternoon was devoted to broader presentations of local thematic research units, including botAnique et Modélisation de l'Architecture des Plantes et des végétations (AMAP) and Forests & Societies. At AMAP, special attention was given to research conducted under OFVi, such as Pl@ntNet.

On May 13, the delegation traveled to the Midi Pyrénées Observatory (OMP) in Toulouse to meet with the GEO TREES project teams from CNRS involved in monitoring tropical ecosystems, as well as CNES-OMP, including the director of OMP. These discussions highlighted numerous synergies between tools developed in France and Congolese priorities, particularly to better understand landscape dynamics, monitor land use, and support data-driven territorial planning.

End of the Mission in Paris: Scientific Diplomacy in Focus

The week concluded with three days rich in exchanges and strategic meetings. From a scientific perspective, the Congolese delegation attended the HEC Paris Master’s defense of Pearl Winchester (IRD), whose work — supervised by Laurent Durieux and Laura Létourneau (former advisor to Prime Minister E. Borne) — focused on public forest/carbon data management infrastructures in Gabon. This moment was followed by a meeting with teams from the Climate and Environment Sciences Laboratory (CEA-UVSQ), which allowed for deeper discussions on carbon assessment methodologies, notably around the VERRA standard and the need for reliable data to establish baselines for carbon credit projects. Discussions also covered synergies to be developed for strengthening national capacities.
The delegation was welcomed by the President of the French High Council on Climate at INRAE headquarters, where an in-depth collaboration on agricultural issues was discussed, with a potential integration of the Congolese counterpart institute INERA into the TSARA initiative. The delegation also visited the offices of the ONF International, where they discovered the institution’s expertise in forest management and identified concrete avenues for cooperation.

On the diplomatic side, a key meeting was held at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE). During this meeting, the MEAE praised the strategic role of GEO-RDC, highlighting the relevance and effectiveness of OFVi in establishing collaborations with Congo Basin countries. The initiative’s concrete progress, the strength of its scientific outcomes, and its co-constructed governance model with Congo Basin partners were unanimously acknowledged. The meeting was attended by Barbara Pompili, Ambassador for the Environment.

Finally, during a meeting at the Ministry of Higher Education and Research with its French counterpart, the Interministerial Coordinator of Copernicus and GEO France, Ms. Isabelle Benezeth, and her team, the Congolese delegation stood out for the clarity and coherence of its roadmap. This structured and proactive approach was praised as exemplary, confirming the DRC’s intent to establish itself as a key player in Earth observation in Central Africa.

Momentum with the DRC: Data Sovereignty as a Development Lever

This visit helped refocus discussions on a vital objective: mobilizing data as a transformative tool for land-use planning, urban and rural development, Congo Basin forest conservation, and poverty reduction. In a country where pressures on land, resources, and populations are intensifying, having reliable and shared information is essential to making informed decisions, guiding public policies, and building inclusive development.

The GEO RDC mission in France thus confirms a promising momentum: that of a DRC which, strengthened by its scientific and diplomatic partnerships, is building the tools for its territorial and environmental sovereignty.