The report, commissioned by USAID and prepared by Management Systems International, evaluates the financial and economic implications of charcoal and wood cooking fuel use in four urban areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It examines various charcoal production methods and household cooking options, including traditional and improved stoves. The study identifies charcoal's significant role in deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions while acknowledging the urgent need for sustainable fuel alternatives. Key findings reveal that improved kilns and high-efficiency stoves, though initially costly, are more cost-effective in the long run due to reduced environmental impacts. The research underscores the necessity for increased investment in renewable energy sources and better-designed cooking solutions to mitigate health risks associated with woodfuel combustion. The report recommends transitioning to mass-manufactured stoves to enhance stove quality and efficiency. It suggests promoting sustainable practices in charcoal production and cooking methods to protect forest resources while improving public health. The analysis provides critical insights for government and organizations seeking to address energy challenges in the DRC, indicating the potential for substantial economic and environmental benefits through strategic investment in cleaner cooking technologies and renewable energy infrastructure.

The document analyzes the potential for tourism development in Cameroon, with a focus on five priority protected areas: Campo Ma'an National Park, Mount Cameroon National Park, North Province Landscape, Dja Faunal Reserve, and Lobeke National Park. Despite Cameroon's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, the tourism sector faces challenges due to a lack of a dedicated tourism policy, insufficient infrastructure, and complicated visa processes. The analysis highlights a pressing need for a structured nature-based tourism plan that includes community involvement and capacity building. Recommendations include creating tourism circuits connecting key parks, enhancing access and accommodation options, and fostering partnerships with the private sector and local communities. Furthermore, it identifies the importance of marketing efforts to reshape perceptions of safety and promote the country's attractions. The document underscores the necessity for government support and coordinated actions among various stakeholders to realize Cameroon's tourism potential and address issues affecting conservation and community development.

The document provides an assessment of nature-based tourism potential in the Central African Republic (CAR), particularly focusing on the Dzanga-Sangha Complex and Chinko Nature Reserve. It highlights the challenges facing tourism, including high tourist visa costs and security concerns, with CAR receiving low international visitor numbers due to political instability. The country’s biodiversity, ranking high on global indices, is noted, with specific recommendations to enhance tourism infrastructure and streamline immigration processes to attract higher-end travelers. Key protected areas such as the Dzanga-Sangha Complex and Chinko Nature Reserve are presented as having significant tourist potential despite their current limited tourism activities. Recommendations include establishing a 10-year tourism strategy, enhancing marketing efforts targeting high-end travel markets, and promoting cross-border tourism circuits within the Sangha Trinational network. The document underscores the importance of improving travel advisories and visitor experiences to foster growth in CAR's nascent tourism industry, suggesting that partnerships with NGOs and private operators could lead to sustainable development in this sector.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conducted a Nature-Based Tourism Assessment focusing on key protected areas, namely Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Salonga National Park, and Virunga National Park. The report highlights DRC's rich biodiversity, ranking 16th globally, and the urgent need for improved tourism infrastructure and security to enhance visitor numbers, which were significantly low due to ongoing regional unrest and challenging access routes. It recommends forming a 'Tourism Working Group' to unite stakeholders, streamline visa processes, and develop a national tourism website to market the country's natural assets effectively. The assessment identifies the tourism potential of major parks, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and sustainable tourism practices. Specific strategies suggested include improving domestic aviation access, encouraging community-led tourism initiatives, and fostering partnerships with local communities. Salonga National Park shows promise, especially with ongoing bonobo habituation efforts. However, substantial investments in infrastructure and safety are deemed essential for successful tourism development in the DRC. The analysis concluded that while challenges exist, there are promising opportunities for growth in nature-based tourism through strategic planning and collaboration among stakeholders.

The document analyzes Gabon's potential for nature-based tourism and outlines recommendations for enhancing its tourism sector. It identifies strategic priorities based on the 2020-2025 National Tourism Strategy, emphasizing the need to modernize the e-visa system, improve infrastructure, and bolster tourism facilities in key protected areas, including Ivindo, Lopé, and Loango National Parks. Key points include Gabon's rich biodiversity, including significant populations of forest elephants and diverse bird species. Despite some tourist activity, the sector remains underdeveloped, with limited operators and facilities. Infrastructure issues, especially in transportation and accommodations, hinder growth. Political changes may affect investment but provide an opportunity for strategic recovery. Recommendations focus on a comprehensive tourism master plan, revitalization of existing tourism projects, and targeted marketing campaigns to promote Gabon internationally. Strengthening local capacities and engaging communities in tourism development are essential for the operational success and sustainability of natural assets. As part of federal and state/local RFPs, the document underlines the importance of public-private partnerships and funding to support development initiatives aimed at making Gabon a leading ecotourism destination in Africa.

The document presents an assessment of nature-based tourism potential in the Republic of Congo, focusing on five key protected areas: Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Ntokou-Pikounda National Park, Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, and Conkouati-Douli National Park. The Republic of Congo, with over one-third of its land mass designated as protected areas, is highlighted for its abundant biodiversity and natural assets, yet it struggles with low international tourist arrivals and recognition. The report outlines the current tourism sector's challenges, including a burdensome visa process, inadequate infrastructure, and limited marketing efforts. Key recommendations emphasize strengthening institutional frameworks, developing diverse tourism offerings, enhancing marketing strategies, and establishing a tourism working group to guide collaborative efforts. The document concludes that revitalizing nature-based tourism could significantly contribute to the economy and improve local livelihoods while aligning with conservation goals. The assessment underscores the need for government support, investment in infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to realize the Republic of Congo's tourism potential. This assessment serves as a guide for federal grants and local RFPs aimed at enhancing the tourism sector in line with sustainable development objectives.

The Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) IV's Gender and Social Inclusion Analysis (GESI) emphasizes the intertwined nature of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the socio-economic realities of vulnerable populations in the Congo Basin. This analysis aims to enhance understanding and integration of GESI in CARPE's strategies, focusing on the significant roles of women, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and youth in environmental initiatives. Key observations reveal that cultural norms and violence against women profoundly limit their participation and leadership in conservation efforts. Recommendations advocate for targeted investments in rural economies, support for women and IPs in governance, and the establishment of safe spaces for dialogue. Additionally, fostering women's entrepreneurship in green enterprises and improving access to resources are essential for sustainable development and enhanced conservation outcomes. The analysis further stresses the importance of deep listening to local communities to inform effective strategies and adapt to their needs. Overall, this GESI analysis serves as a guiding framework for CARPE partners, encouraging holistic approaches to strengthen resilience and promote equity in biodiversity conservation initiatives in Central Africa.

This report assesses civil society networks focused on forest and biodiversity efforts in Central Africa, produced under the USAID Forest and Biodiversity Support Activity by Tetra Tech. Over two decades, these networks have emerged to address natural resource management amid weak governance. They support policy analysis, technical assistance, and independent monitoring, fostering dialogue and advocacy. The study identifies 76 networks and presents case studies of four—EAGLE, DGPA, CFLEDD, and Réseau CREF—highlighting their thematic focuses and impactful strategies. Key findings include the need for improved cohesion, funding sustainability, and effective representation of marginalized groups. Internal challenges such as unclear governance roles, member engagement, and dependence on donor funding impede their operational success. Recommendations stress the importance of establishing clear criteria for membership, diversifying funding sources, and developing robust communication strategies to enhance their effectiveness and address social inclusion. Overall, the report aims to guide future strategies for strengthening these networks in promoting biodiversity conservation and governance in the region.

The USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is soliciting industry feedback through a Request for Information (RFI) to develop a regional initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity conservation, forest management, and climate change mitigation across the Congo Basin. The initiative, expected to build on existing USAID efforts in the region, seeks to address pressing challenges such as armed conflict, poor governance, and environmental degradation by promoting innovation and effective communication among stakeholders. The RFI aims to gather insights to inform a design document for the initiative, focusing on CARPE's objectives and potential results, including increased civil society involvement, improved wildlife trafficking measures, and the development of sustainable finance mechanisms. Interested parties can submit responses to specific questions that will aid in refining the initiative's strategy. This document serves as an exploratory tool rather than a formal solicitation for proposals or funding, encouraging broad contributions to shape future programming effectively. Responses are confidential and due by January 6, 2025, closing at 5:30 PM Kinshasa local time.