Central African Forests as the world's 2nd Largest Tropical Forest and river network on Earth at the heart of Global Climate, Biodiversity and Development Action

SAVE THE DATE !
November 18, 2025 from 10 am to 6 pm (GMT-3)
Blue zone, UNFF Forest Pavilion

Congo Basin Day 
Mobilizing the regional and international community to preserve the Congo Basin’s forests for Climate, Nature & People 
World's First Forest Carbon Sink

On the 18^th of November during the Congo Basin Day @ Forest Pavilion, come and join us for 9 sessions to get a full picture of the challenges and opportunities for the Congo Basin’s preservation.  

The protection, sustainable management and restoration of forests are essential elements of a viable pathway to achieving the international community's 1.5-degree goal as set by the Paris Agreement adopted in December 2015.

With an annual absorption of around 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, representing approximately 4% of global emissions, Central Africa is one of the regions in the world with the most positive differential between carbon removals and emissions, with a net flux of around 600 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The region has a sequestered carbon stock of around 60 billion tonnes, 30 billion of which is found in its peatlands, including the world’s largest tropical peat swamp forest complex. These forests are also the world’s most efficient carbon-capturing ecosystem.

The forests of the Congo Basin are therefore of crucial importance to the region and the world. If we want to reach the climate, global biodiversity and sustainable development goals, we must all work harder to ensure the protection of these ecosystems.

UNFCCC COP30 represents a unique opportunity to give the stakeholders of the Congo Basin Forests a voice. On 18 November, the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Forest Pavilion will shine the spotlight on this natural treasure. The Congo Basin Day, organised by the CBFP with the support of CAFI, will bring together hundreds of delegates across nine sessions to discuss the challenges and opportunities of preserving the Congo Basin. 

Speakers from a variety of backgrounds (including governments, regional institutions, scientists, civil society representatives, NGOs, the private sector, philanthropists, banks and think tanks) will engage with the audience and encourage constructive debate on how to sustainably use and protect the Congo Basin's forest ecosystems for the benefit of the climate, nature and people.

During the Congo Basin Day, an Immersive experience will also be proposed to the participants to show the magic of the Congo Basin through an amazing audio-visual session with sensory cues featuring footages of one of the wonders of the world including its rich biodiversity and cultural diversity.