Communities Lead Climate-Conflict Solutions Ahead of COP29
These grassroots efforts offer potential models for larger-scale solutions as global leaders discuss climate conflict mitigation at the Baku summi
BAKU, Azerbaijan— As world leaders prepare for the UN Climate Summit (COP29) focusing on climate-fueled conflicts, communities across Africa are already implementing grassroots solutions to environmental challenges that threaten peace, writes Winston Mwale.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo's Uélé-Bili-Mbomu landscape, spanning 100,000 square kilometres of Congo Basin Forest, communities face mounting pressures from illegal mining, poaching, and trans-boundary cattle herding. Since 2007, artisanal diamond and gold mining have intensified these challenges.
"These unsustainable practices are driving significant socio-economic and cultural change, which exacerbates the poaching threat," said a statement from the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF).
In Tanzania's Kilombero Valley, the UTARIRI project demonstrates successful community-led initiatives.
The project has protected over 600 hectares of crops and increased sugarcane farmer yields by 70%, creating sustainable income sources that help prevent resource-driven conflicts.
The Wamba Landscape communities in DRC, despite facing civil unrest and illegal extraction threats, are working with state and non-state actors to build lasting peace through environmental protection.
COP29 marks the first time the UN climate summit has specifically addressed climate-fueled conflicts, though local communities have long recognized the connection between environmental degradation and social tension.
These grassroots efforts offer potential models for larger-scale solutions as global leaders discuss climate conflict mitigation at the Baku summit.