(Ecofin Agency) - The Congolese government approved on September 20 the bill approving the partnership agreement with Total Nature Based Solutions (TNBS), Congo First Company (CFC), and Forest Neutral Congo (FNC) for the development of the State land reserve located at Léfini in the Plateaux department. This bill was presented to the Council of Ministers by Rosalie Matondo (pictured), the Minister of Forest Economy.

TNBS, a subsidiary of Total Energies group, pledges a total of €250 million (CFA150 billion) for a project to create a carbon sink on 40,000 hectares in the Léfini land reserve. The investment will make it possible to value the carbon credits that will be generated in the reserve. The project is expected to generate 1000 direct jobs and contribute to local development.

In addition to its national policies, Congo has ratified many instruments that confirm its contribution to the global response to climate change. These include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Climate Agreement. The country also joined the REDD+ process in 2008.

Congo has also initiated a National Afforestation and Reforestation Program (Pronar) that aims to plant one million hectares of forest and agroforestry plantations, including 700,000 hectares to be planted by private industrialists.

The government has also adopted two draft decrees on the declassification of three State land reserves. The first concerns the declassification of a land reserve located at the "village Kibouba" place, in the district of Loudima, Bouenza department. The second decree concerns the declassification of two land reserves located at Elendjo and Minguelakoum, in the Souanké district, Sangha department.

Although Africa has real potential in terms of land development to increase agricultural production, the complexity of its land governance is a barrier for investors. In Algeria, for example, the government's new action plan provides for an investment reform for the land management system. This is aimed at making it easier for investors to obtain the land needed for their projects.

Isaac K. Kassouwi (intern)