September 29th Congressional Hearing to Focus on Future of Crucial Tropical Rainforest

WHAT:  Leaders of Congo Basin countries, members of Congress, and leading conservation organizations will gather  in Washington to recognize 10 years of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership. At a Congressional hearing the future of the world’s second largest rainforest will be discussed, including how those forests can help mitigate the climate crisis and contribute to regional security, effective governance, and sustainable development.

• Patrick Bergin of the African Wildlife Foundation

• Russell Mittermeier of Conservation International

• Michael Fay of Wildlife Conservation Society

• Carter Roberts of World Wildlife Fund

• The Congo Basin Forest Partnership is a global model of cooperation that has helped create millions of acres of new protected areas, initiate new multi-national anti-poaching initiatives and reduced the rate of biodiversity loss in the past 10 years.

• More support is needed at this critical time, however, as there are continued threats from bushmeat hunting, illegal and unsustainable logging, mining and climate change.

• This event offers an opportunity to discuss renewed conservation efforts in the region and how the Congo Basin Forest Partnership can contribute to the development of strong and sustainable democratic governments and the health and prosperity of the region's people.

• The forests sequester millions of tons of carbon that could play a crucial role in international efforts to mitigate global warming and provide economic security for the region.