Natural Resources Governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Breaking Sector Walls for Sustainable Land Use Investments


Publisher: IIED

Author(s): Raymound A. Samndong and Isilda Nhantumbo

Date: 2015

Topics: Economic Recovery, Governance, Land, Livelihoods

Countries: Congo (DRC)

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has immense natural wealth. Political stability and good governance, including strong resources rights to local communities and sustainable investments, can galvanize sustainable development and enable the Congolese people to benefit from that wealth. This report highlights both key provisions and major challenges of natural resource legislation in the DRC. It suggests potential ways in which local communities, particularly marginalized populations, can play a prominent role in shaping inclusive, sustainable and equitable development.

IIED started its engagement work in DRC in 2012 through an initiative funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), ‘Inclusive REDD+’. The first step of this initiative was to review the available literature. Secondly, a scoping mission was undertaken to discuss the issues affecting the natural resources sector with relevant individuals at national and local level. This first report looks at the issues, challenges, and potential future areas of work in the natural resources sector. A second report takes a more detailed look at REDD+.