Voix du Paysan – Empowering and Informing Citizens: A Commitment to Social and Climate Justice
In Kasenyi, the mobilization led by ACEDH, with the support of FECOPELA, marks a strategic turning point in the defense of lakeside communities’ livelihoods in the face of the growing threat of fossil fuel projects. This initiative follows a participatory dynamic, where local biodiversity defenders speak out to assert their right to a healthy environment and sustainable fishing practices in Kasenyi.
By bringing together fishers, community leaders, and environmental activists, the consultation capitalized on local knowledge and ancestral natural resource management practices. The testimonies collected on-site reflect a shared reality: pollution and disturbances caused by oil activities are undermining not only aquatic ecosystems but also food security and social cohesion in the region.
This action aims to strengthen the capacity of local communities to organize, advocate for their rights, and propose sustainable alternatives—especially in responsible fishing and biodiversity conservation. Environmental education and grassroots awareness-raising become essential tools for building informed and legitimate resistance to the destructive interests threatening their environment.
By facilitating this space for dialogue, exchange, and action, ACEDH and FECOPELA demonstrate that only a bottom-up approach—built with and by communities—can lead to true environmental and social justice for the people. Kasenyi thus becomes a symbol of resilience and collective awareness in the face of ecological transition challenges in the DRC.
The Editorial Team
