Libreville, Gabon, May 7, 2025 – The Science Panel for the Congo Basin (SPCB) has officially joined the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), becoming its 138th member.
The SPCB is an independent platform by and for scientists from the region, aimed at synthesizing existing scientific knowledge and providing up-to-date information on the status of, and threats to, the Congo Basin and its ecosystems. The SPCB is currently concluding the first-ever comprehensive scientific assessment, to be presented to regional and global leaders in November 2025. The Panel will also participate in the CBFP meetings in Libreville in July 2025, including presenting an overview of its work and the 2025 Assessment Report.
As part of its membership, the SPCB has committed to adhering to the cooperation framework of CBFP members, which promotes the sustainable and collaborative management of Central Africa’s forest ecosystems. This membership marks a significant step forward in strengthening scientific cooperation within the sub-region.
Launched on December 3, 2022, at the COMIFAC–CBFP Pavilion during COP28 in Dubai, the SPCB is operationally coordinated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a global initiative of the United Nations. Much like the Amazon Science Panel, the SPCB aims to produce the first-ever Congo Basin Assessment Report, set to be released at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025. Learn more about SPCB.
The Panel works in close coordination with major scientific initiatives in the region, such as CBSI, OFVi, PANGEA, and CBI, through weekly coordination meetings. It is also actively involved in the 2024 edition of the State of the Congo Basin Forests Report, in collaboration with CIFOR/OFAC, with a planned release in April 2025. The SPCB also participated in the first science–donor dialogue held in April 2024.
Since its creation, the SPCB has actively participated in the activities of the Scientific and Academic College of the CBFP, aiming to enhance synergies among researchers, regional institutions, and decision-makers. Its work is fully aligned with the COMIFAC Convergence Plan 2015–2025 and the priorities outlined in the 2023–2025 roadmap of the Franco-Gabonese co-facilitation of the CBFP.
The Franco-Gabonese co-facilitation of the CBFP warmly welcomes the SPCB’s membership and looks forward to working with it within the larger CBFP family.
Welcome to the Science Panel for the Congo Basin, our 138th member!
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