As part of Phase II of the project “Transforming the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve into a Center of Excellence for Climate and Biodiversity”, funded by the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium (DGD) and implemented by UNESCO, ERAIFT carried out a field mission in Yangambi and Kisangani from April 24 to May 9, 2025. This mission focused on strategic actions aimed at strengthening local capacities and actively involving students in environmental research.

In Yangambi, two days of hands-on training introduced a group of volunteer students to digital tools for data collection. Following this session, a local field team was established to support upcoming social surveys among local community-based forest organizations (ACECs).,In Kisangani, complementary training was offered at IFA, focusing on the collection and organization of bibliographic data related to the Yangambi landscape—including scientific articles, theses, and academic papers. In total, 26 students from IFA and UNIKIS were mobilized and deployed in the field for a four-day intensive campaign, which resulted in the collection of over 300 bibliographic records from various studies conducted in the Yangambi region.

ERAIFT extends its sincere gratitude to the DGD for funding this Phase II, and to UNESCO for their fruitful collaboration. Special thanks also go to the European Union, through AGRINATURA, for providing the necessary support to ensure the Focal Point’s participation in high-level national activities.