DRC: A Historic Law for Inclusive and Sustainable Land Governance

This month, the Democratic Republic of Congo took a decisive step forward with the promulgation of its very first land-use planning law, Law No. 25/045 of July 1, 2025. This major milestone establishes more inclusive land governance, finally giving local communities a central role in managing their lands.

The result of long advocacy efforts led by committed local organizations and supported by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI), this legal framework recognizes the land rights of indigenous peoples and rural communities. By integrating these rights into a national land-use strategy, the DRC lays the foundation for sustainable development that respects both biodiversity and the aspirations of its inhabitants.

This law opens new prospects for protecting the country’s unique tropical forests, promoting social justice, and strengthening land tenure security in a context where environmental and social challenges are critical. A significant victory for territorial governance that combines equity and sustainability.