Proceedings Responsible and Resilient Tourism Geneva Forum 2024

Given the importance of the Congo River basin, the issue of its source’s drying up should not be limited to the DR Congo alone, as global inaction will have repercussions.

In the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, WWF advocates for cross-border efforts to sustainably manage forests and protect wildlife.

The British Embassy in Kinshasa, along with other African countries, acknowledges the climate change effects the DR Congo faces, such as irregular rainfall and rising temperatures. These challenges are tied to reduced water flow at the river’s source and the disruption of the rainfall cycle.

The Miombo forest stores approximately 39 tons of terrestrial carbon per hectare when undisturbed by deforestation or fire, as concluded by a recent study conducted in Zambia’s wooded areas of the Copperbelt Province. Its considerable contribution highlights its potential in combating climate change.

Community awareness, monitoring networks, and preparedness are critical for the Miombo communities to address the causes of the drying Congo River source and the threat of desertification rising in southern Africa.

Equipped with the necessary tools, these communities can take ownership of the DR Congo’s commitments in this domain at all levels, allowing the nation to genuinely fulfill its role as a "solution country."

In this presentation, Malou Madanga will highlight the importance of environmental education in raising youth awareness of ecological issues, using the case of the Congo River Festival. She will present concrete initiatives implemented by Vodacom Congo to promote environmental protection, such as educational and recreational programs in schools, awareness campaigns on recycling and waste management, and partnerships with local NGOs.

The focus will be on the positive impact of youth engagement in environmental actions and how this can contribute to a sustainable future for the planet. Malou will also emphasize the importance of collaboration between businesses, governments, and civil society to create a collective movement for sustainability.

Patricia Katshabala will address the crucial role of digitalization in environmental education and youth awareness. She will discuss the digital tools and online platforms used by Vodacom to reach a broader audience, including educational apps, webinars, and social media campaigns.

Patricia will highlight examples of digital projects that have successfully engaged youth on environmental issues, such as awareness contests and online ecological challenges. She will also emphasize how technology can facilitate access to information and encourage innovation in environmental solutions while reinforcing corporate social responsibility in promoting a sustainable future.

These two interventions, although distinct, complement each other by demonstrating how education and digitalization can work together to mobilize youth around environmental protection and sustainability.

Summary to come