As part of the implementation of the project entitled: "Evaluation of the value of the Ecosystem Services of the Luki Biosphere Reserve (EVASE_RBL)", the ERAIFT was invited to present an oral presentation at the International Scientific Colloquium RESSAC on the theme: «Evaluation of the demand for ecosystem services by the populations living near the Luki Biosphere Reserve in DRC». This Symposium was organized from 25 to 27 November 2025, as part of the "Applied Research in Ecology and Social Sciences of Central African Forest Ecosystems (RESSAC)" program of CIFOR-ICRAF, with the theme "Forest Ecosystems of Central Africa", and funded by the European Union (EU).

This meeting brought together several stakeholders including scientists, NGOs, Civil Societies, and Governments, the main objective was to mobilize scientific expertise underregional on the key themes identified for the sustainable management of Central African forests in their triple dimension of ecological sustainability, economic profitability and social equity. More specifically, it was about: (1) sharing the salient results generated within the framework of the SURAC program by focusing on their policy and practical implications for the improvement of forest resource management and the well-to be indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) in Central Africa; (2) explore opportunities for synergy and collaboration between teams of researchers and institutions on research themes in ecology and social sciences applied to the management of forest ecosystems in Central Africa ; (3) develop a summary document and a declaration to inform and guide the science-policy forum on the institutionalization of innovative research models in partnership on themes relevant for the sustainable management of forests in Central Africa; and (4) propose practical recommendations to take into account the results of this research in order to improve the legislative framework, political, cultural as well as the enhancement of IPLCs' rights and knowledge for better integrated and inclusive management of forest resources in Central African countries. This dialogue between science and policy aims to raise awareness among decision-makers in order to make decisions on sustainable forest management based on scientific evidence.

This high-level meeting was made possible thanks to the RESSAC program, implemented by the CIFOR-ICRAF consortium and funded by the European Union, to which the ERAIFT expresses its deep gratitude.