On Friday, February 22, 2025, ERAIFT organized a conference debate on the theme: "Socio-demographic, agrarian, and carbon sequestration potential analysis in the context of integrated land management of the historical rubber plantations of Sankuru in the Democratic Republic of Congo." The conference was co-hosted by Mr. Joël Mobunda Tiko, a PhD candidate at ERAIFT, and Dr. Maurice Kesonga Nsele, a post-doctoral researcher at ERAIFT in the DeSIRA project. The 40 learners from the 6th cohort of the regional master’s program and the doctoral assistants and post-doctoral researchers actively participated in this scientific morning session.

The speaker focused his presentation on several key points, including the main research areas and scientific outputs, particularly on the carbon sequestration potential of rubber plantations, the perception of ecosystem services provided by the historical rubber plantations in Sankuru, the diversity of rubber plantations in Sankuru, and the socio-economic dimensions necessary to understand the degradation of natural forest ecosystems in Sankuru.

At the end of the discussions, participants became aware of the numerous scientific research opportunities the Sankuru province offers. They also recognized the importance of approaching the issue of natural resource management through a systemic approach.

ERAIFT also thanks the European Union and ENABEL/DeSIRA Project for their financial support and renewed trust. It also thanks PhD candidate Joël Mobunda and post-doctoral researcher Maurice Kesonga Nsele for this scientific sharing.