A new report by the World Bank has revealed the immense value of the Congo Basin, home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, not only for the six countries it spans but for the entire planet. The report, titled “Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem Accounts,” shows that the region’s forests are essential for climate stability, biodiversity, and economic resilience.
According to the report, the value of forest ecosystem services in the Congo Basin nearly doubled in just two decades, rising from $590 billion in 2000 to $1.15 trillion in 2020. Similarly, the total forest asset value surged from $11.4 trillion to $23.2 trillion during the same period.
However, the report also highlights the varying levels of forest management, conservation, and data readiness across the region. While countries like Gabon and the Republic of Congo have embedded forest sustainability into their national planning, with relatively low deforestation rates and strong biodiversity indicators, others like Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea are in the process of strengthening forest governance and implementing policies that integrate ecosystem values. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, on the other hand, face complex pressures such as rapid population growth and informal logging, mining, and agriculture, which threaten the region’s forest resilience.
The report, along with individual country reports, provides a comprehensive overview of how forests can be fully integrated into macroeconomic planning to support economic diversification and climate finance strategies. By highlighting the potential for new opportunities in areas like community-based ecotourism, forest monitoring, and value-added processing of non-timber forest products, as well as results-based climate financing, the report aims to shift the development narrative towards long-term sustainability and resilience.
Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa, emphasized the significance of the report, stating, “For the first time, Congo Basin countries have developed a detailed forest ecosystem accounts showing the true value of their natural wealth. These forests, managed sustainably, can serve as powerful engines for sustainable development, contributing to creating jobs, supporting climate-smart growth, and strengthening local economies.”
The report also highlights a critical imbalance, with Congo forests generating over $1 trillion in global ecosystem services, primarily from climate regulation, but local governments only capturing $8 billion in domestic benefits in 2020, mainly from timber, bushmeat, wild foods, and ecotourism.
Valerie Hickey, World Bank Global Director for Climate Change, commented on the need for accurate measurements to manage the forests effectively. “We can only manage what we can measure – this is why the forest ecosystem accounts for the Congo Basin will be so key for countries to unlock the power of their forests to drive development and jobs. This accounting can also help Congo Basin countries demonstrate the huge value that their forest conservation efforts bring to the rest of the world.”
The World Bank has provided contacts for media inquiries in various cities, including Brazzaville, Yaounde, Bangui, Libreville, and Kinshasa. The report was distributed by Pressat, a UK-based press release distribution service.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.