Voix du Paysan for educating and informing citizens, a commitment to social and climate justice
As part of the lead-up to COP30, which will soon take place in Brazil, an awareness activity on fossil fuels was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the Ntambuka chiefdom of Idjwi. The event brought together fishers, farmers, livestock breeders, teachers, and other environmental defenders, under the facilitation of the Alerte Congolaise pour l’Environnement et les Droits de l’Homme (ACEDH), as part of the campaign Notre Terre Sans Pétrole (“Our Land Without Oil”).
The main objective was to listen to island residents’ views and approaches regarding fossil fuels and their impacts on local life.
Me Olivier Ndoole and the importance of community recommendations
According to Me Olivier Ndoole, Executive Secretary of ACEDH, these discussions made it possible to gather recommendations to present at the 30th Conference of the Parties on Climate, including greater involvement of states in the fight against fossil fuels and the abandonment of projects aimed at exploiting gas blocks on Lake Kivu.
Chukusse Muyaga, ACEDH focal point in the Ntambuka chiefdom, emphasized that such regular sessions help local people better understand how the actions of polluting countries affect the daily lives of Idjwi’s inhabitants and Congolese citizens in general. This approach strengthens community participation in debates about environmental protection.
Ongoing mobilization and awareness for environmental preservation
Emmanuel Ndimwiza, community mobilizer within ACEDH, stressed the need to continue awareness campaigns. According to him, understanding the impacts of gas block projects on the island is crucial, as the world faces major risks linked to climate change. Local communities must be informed and equipped to contribute effectively to the preservation of their environment, one participant added.
Strengthening the capacity of local mobilizers
A club of community mobilizers has been established in Idjwi and will be regularly equipped with materials and training, as participants requested. This initiative aims to ensure that local actors have the necessary skills to relay information and promote environmentally respectful practices.
The exchanges in Idjwi are part of a broader global effort, as several countries will gather at COP30 to reflect on solutions to the ongoing climate emergencies.
The Editorial Team
