One Forest Vision engaged in scientific and strategic discussions at the CBFP 2025 in Libreville

Presentation of regional scientific initiatives

A highlight of this edition was the collective presentation of the results and prospects of scientific initiatives active in the Congo Basin. Jean-Jacques Braun (IRD) presented the first milestones achieved by OFVi, alongside RAFM-ULAVAL, PANGEA, CBSI and RESSAC. He reiterated the importance of strengthening the scientific sovereignty of forest countries through the co-production of knowledge and access to environmental data.

During the session dedicated to regional scientific synergies, Jean-Jacques Braun emphasised the added value of the OFV initiative as a catalyst for cooperation:

« Our goal is not to create yet another initiative, but to connect researchers, institutions and policy makers from the three countries that have signed a "Country Package" for Forests, Nature and Climate. We want to provide a structured framework that allows everyone to make the most of their data, work and knowledge. »

During the session devoted to regional scientific initiatives, OFVi highlighted several of its structuring actions:

• Scientific co-construction workshops organised in Gabon and Congo, with strong involvement from local researchers;
• Active participation in international events, notably the Carbon Forum in Paris (February 2025), the Congo Basin Forum in Kinshasa (June 2025), and soon COP30 in Belém (November 2025);
• Support for training and research, with: 18 theses co-supervised as part of the initiative (‘environmental theses’); the launch of three national calls for projects: Gabon: 85 students applied for the 6 selected projects; Congo: 12 projects submitted;
• Support for regional and international mobility of researchers, particularly to promote exchanges between tropical countries;
• Creation of popular science content (video clips, podcasts) for the general public;
• Deployment of innovative dissemination channels, such as the WhatsApp OFVi channel, to better reach local actors and young people.

On this occasion, Simon Lewis, Co-Chair of the Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI), proposed launching a joint OFVi–CBSI newsletter to jointly promote initiatives carried out in the Congo Basin – an idea that was approved by the partners and is currently in preparation.

A constructive message to donors

OFVi took part in the strategic session on ‘Lessons learned from Congo Basin Pledge 2’ in preparation for COP30 in Belém. This round table, bringing together international donors and regional representatives, highlighted the need to back financial commitments with scientific approaches that are integrated with local realities.

Speaking on behalf of OFVi, Nicolas Barbier (IRD) reiterated the importance of a robust and shared scientific basis to ensure the effectiveness of environmental policies:

« It is essential that funding be guided by open science and developed in collaboration with researchers from partner countries. This is the approach to scientific sovereignty that we promote with the OFVi. »

Following the discussions, several donors expressed their interest in supporting initiatives rooted in dual scientific and diplomatic legitimacy, such as the OFVi, which was praised for its structuring approach and alignment with the priorities of the Congo Basin.

The OFVi team took part in the first session of the Scientific Day dedicated to dialogue between science and politics, focusing on communication strategies between researchers and decision-makers. This was a highlight that was fully in line with the initiative's philosophy: to strengthen the links between knowledge production and public action.

The CBFP 2025 conference in Libreville (link to official statements) was a strategic milestone for OFVi: it enabled us to increase our visibility, consolidate our partnerships, foster dialogue between science and politics, and lay the foundations for better scientific coordination in the Congo Basin.

We warmly thank the organisers and our partners for the quality of the exchanges and for their continued support for this collective dynamic.