Central African Republic president attends UN reforestation launch
Faustin-Archange Touadéra joined Congo's president in Brazzaville for the 2027-2036 UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra arrived in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on Thursday evening to attend the official launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, running from 2027 to 2036. The international initiative focuses on sustainable forest management amid growing concerns about deforestation and climate change. President Touadéra was invited by his Congolese counterpart, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, and will participate in the official ceremony on Friday, November 6, alongside the president of the 81st UN General Assembly session, Khalilur Rahman.
The launch event includes a tree-planting campaign at the ECO-NZAMBA project site, approximately 45 kilometers from Brazzaville. This decade-long program aims to mobilize states, international institutions, private companies, and civil society for concrete actions to restore forest cover. It also plans to launch the "Youth for the Decade" initiative, engaging young people in urban greening and the development of forestry and agroforestry businesses.
For the Central African Republic, participation in this event is particularly relevant due to its significant forest resources within the Congo Basin and shared ecosystem preservation challenges with the Republic of Congo. The president's agenda also includes a one-on-one meeting with President Sassou-Nguesso and other bilateral discussions, potentially addressing cooperation on environmental issues between Bangui, Brazzaville, and international partners.
Why it mattersThe Central African Republic's participation highlights its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource management, potentially strengthening regional partnerships.