1. A methodology focused on operational results

A methodology focused on The workshop was based on a collaborative working method, combining Design Thinking, the Science Model Canvas and Operational Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). This approach helped to structure the discussions and produce directly actionable outcomes.

Divided into thematic groups, participants identified key data gaps, infrastructure needs and research priorities, whilst proposing concrete implementation strategies. Each group then presented its findings to the plenary session, enabling a collective consolidation of the results.

As Guillaume Lescuyer, co-coordinator of the initiative, pointed out:

“The aim is to set out a clear roadmap for the next three to five years in the DRC, addressing infrastructure, data and equipment needs, whilst strengthening scientific partnerships.” 

“Our collective ambition is clear: to ensure that the environment is not a natural constraint, but a driver of sustainable growth, geo-economic cohesion and shared prosperity,” said the Minister for the Environment, Professor Marie Nyange Ndambo.

2. Three round-table discussions to establish scientific priorities

The proceedings were organised around three round-table discussions, covering the major scientific challenges relating to the forest ecosystems of the Congo Basin:

1. Climate, water and carbon cycles
   The discussions highlighted the need to better quantify carbon fluxes (CO₂ and CH₄), particularly in forest and wetland systems. Strengthening measurement systems – flux towers, hydrometeorological stations, monitoring networks – was identified as a priority. Participants also emphasised the need to develop integrated modelling approaches capable of linking field observations with remote sensing data.
2. Ecology and Conservation
   This roundtable highlighted the importance of establishing a nationwide biodiversity monitoring system. Key requirements include the implementation of standardised inventories, the development of interoperable databases, and the integration of remote sensing tools. The aim is to improve our understanding of ecosystems and track their dynamics over time.
3. Forestry, agriculture and the science–society nexus
   The discussions identified ways to develop sustainable models that are tailored to local conditions. Participants highlighted the importance of payments for environmental services, responsible value chains and agroforestry approaches. The role of local communities was emphasised as a key factor in implementing these models.

3. Clearly identified technical and scientific requirements

Technical and scientific requirements As the discussions progressed, several cross-cutting priorities emerged. In particular, participants highlighted:

• the need to deploy instrumented sites enabling the simultaneous monitoring of carbon, water and biodiversity,
• the development of flux towers to measure exchanges between ecosystems and the atmosphere,
• the integration of multi-scale remote sensing (satellites, drones, LiDAR),
• the establishment of robust and interoperable data systems,
• the strengthening of human capacity through the training of PhD students, engineers and technicians.

These elements form the foundation of a scientific framework capable of producing reliable and comparable data across the Congo Basin.identified

“The One Forest Vision initiative is a key driver. It should help to bridge the gap in scientific knowledge and place science at the heart of public decision-making,” said Professor Tosi Mpanu Mpanu, Senior Adviser to the Head of State.

4. A roadmap in the making

The workshop laid the foundations for a scientific roadmap for the coming years. The priorities identified will focus on launching research projects, the gradual roll-out of measurement infrastructure, and the development of scientific partnerships.

The results of the round-table discussions will be included in a joint report, currently being drafted, which will detail the needs identified and the recommendations made by the participants. As Paul Forien pointed out:

“Our work is part of a shared strategic vision that is consistent with the DRC’s national priorities. But no ambitious strategy can succeed without a solid scientific foundation. That is precisely the aim of the One Forest Vision initiative.” 

Beyond the technical outcomes, this workshop helped to establish a common framework for cooperation among the various stakeholders involved. The high level of engagement and the quality of the discussions led to a shared vision of scientific priorities, whilst laying the foundations for long-term collaboration.

This workshop thus represents a first operational step towards the roll-out of OFVi’s scientific activities in the DRC, with a clear ambition: to generate useful knowledge that can be directly applied to the management of forest ecosystems in the Congo Basin. 

5. Next steps: strengthening dialogue with the Ministry of Planning

Building on this momentum, the One Forest Vision initiative has continued its discussions with the Congolese authorities. On 10 April 2026, a meeting was held at the DRC Embassy in Paris between representatives of OFVi and Mr Nyembo Mbwizya Guylain, Minister of Planning of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the presence of Ambassador Émile Ngoy Kasongo.

On the OFVi side, Philippe Ciais (CEA), Clément Delcourt (CEA) and Camille Lacroux (INRAE) presented the initiative’s scientific contributions to national priorities, particularly regarding the production of high-precision maps, support for carbon credit policies and the deployment of scientific tools (flux towers, theses, training).

The discussions also highlighted the importance of establishing a clear framework for cooperation between France and the DRC, to ensure the coordinated and effective implementation of OFVi activities. The Ministry of Planning was identified as a key partner to support this multi-sectoral initiative. The establishment of an OFVi–Minister’s Office working group was therefore announced, with the aim of developing a shared roadmap.

This initiative strengthens the link between scientific output and strategic planning, in the interests of better understanding and managing the forest ecosystems of the Congo Basin.

Press review: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPUKIYipYCU

https://x.com/environews_rdc/status/2038934058529431611?s=48

https://medd.gouv.cd/rdc-lancement-de-linitiative-one-forest-vision-a-kinshasa-pour-relever-les-defis-environnementaux/

Social media: 

Atelier OFVi à Kinshassa

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7445445717323735040

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7445456071491665922

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7445456071491665922

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7445776983625531392

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7445841925091250177

Rencontre à Paris : 

Publication Ambassade de France en RDC

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7450509066981998592