Thursday, 10 July 2025
📍 Ebene Conference Room, Radisson Blu Okoume Palace Hotel, Libreville
The Congo Basin the world’s second-largest tropical forestis gaining increasing scientific attention. In February 2023, a group of scientists gathered in Libreville to lay the groundwork for an ambitious project: the Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI). Its goal: to strengthen scientific research, regional collaboration, and the impact of science on sustainable governance in this globally vital region.
🔬 An Initiative Led by the Scientific Community
Since its launch, CBSI has achieved several key milestones, including securing USD 12 million in funding, a major step reflecting international recognition of the initiative.
An ad hoc scientific steering committee was established to oversee the development and launch of the CBSI. In this context, a strategic meeting is taking place on 10 July in Libreville, bringing together committee members and other scientific and institutional partners.
🕘 A Two-Part Working Day
The meeting is structured in two sessions:
1️⃣Morning – Review and Planning
This session is open to both committee members and non-members interested in participating. Discussions will focus on:
- reviewing progress made so far,
- identifying upcoming opportunities and challenges,
- and planning the next steps in CBSI’s evolution.
2️⃣Afternoon – Structuring the Committee
The afternoon will be dedicated to important governance decisions:
- defining the mandate of the CBSI Scientific Steering Committee,
- and confirming its composition moving forward.
Non-members are welcome to attend as observers during this session.
🌍 A Collaborative Drive for Science in Central Africa
CBSI aims to become a leading scientific platform for the Congo Basin by promoting:
- the production of reliable data,
- capacity-building for researchers,
- and stronger networks among regional and international scientific institutions.
The July 10th meeting represents a key step in this journey, laying the foundation for inclusive and transparent governance essential conditions for the success of the initiative.
Share: