In a powerful demonstration of community-led environmental restoration, Vision Collective pour le Changement Integral (VCCI) has joined forces with Environmental Defenders (ED) to launch a large-scale tree-planting campaign aimed at revitalizing the Lake Albert Basin in Mahagi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

This ambitious initiative, officially launched on Saturday, May 31, is in honour of World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5.

As one of Environmental Defenders’ grantees in the DRC, VCCI is mobilizing local communities to plant thousands of trees, addressing deforestation, restoring ecosystems, and securing livelihoods around the Lake Albert Basin.

The Lake Albert Basin, straddling the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is an ecological and socio-economic powerhouse in the African Great Lakes region.

Covering approximately 5,300 km² and extending into the larger Albertine Graben ecosystem, this basin supports diverse bionetworks with over 24 fish species, including more than 60 endemic cichlid species.

Its unique location at the junction of the East African Rift Valley and the Congo Basin makes it crucial for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of millions.

Lake Albert’s catchment area receives inflows from major rivers like the Semliki and Kyoga Nile, forming a dynamic water system that supports fisheries, wetlands, and forests.

Its rich biodiversity includes a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and endemic plant species found in surrounding national parks such as Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park.
However, the basin faces severe environmental challenges.

Rapid population growth, unregulated fishing practices, deforestation for agriculture and fuelwood, pollution from urban waste and mining, and the looming impacts of climate change have degraded water quality, destabilized ecosystems, and exacerbated conflicts over resource use.

The oil extraction projects near the lake’s eastern shore, including the controversial Tilenga and Kingfisher fields, threaten to disrupt fragile ecosystems, pollute water sources, and displace communities, with risks of oil spills and increased erosion.

In the DRC’s Mahagi Territory, these threats manifest in deteriorating fisheries, shrinking forest cover, and declining livelihoods, particularly affecting small-scale fishers, farmers, and women who depend on natural resources for their survival.

Recognizing these challenges, Vision Collective pour le Changement Intégral has partnered with Environmental Defenders, a regional environmental justice organization, to launch large-scale tree-planting campaigns.
This initiative, supported by ED’s grants, aims to restore degraded landscapes, stabilize the local climate, and secure the lake’s ecological integrity.

These efforts are not just environmental interventions—they are a defense of human rights and livelihoods.
By restoring the Lake Albert Basin, especially on the DRC side, VCCI and ED are working to build resilience for local communities, safeguard critical biodiversity, and push back against unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

In response to the escalating environmental degradation in the Lake Albert Basin, VCCI, with strong backing from Environmental Defenders, has launched an ambitious plan to plant 500,000 native tree seedlings across the Mahagi Territory in 2025 alone.

This large-scale reforestation effort aims to counteract the adverse impacts of deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change, while simultaneously restoring vital ecosystems that sustain local livelihoods.
These native species have been carefully selected to reinforce the natural biodiversity of the region, provide habitats for wildlife, and help stabilize the water catchments feeding into Lake Albert.

By planting trees along riverbanks, wetlands, and degraded landscapes, VCCI and ED are restoring essential buffers that filter pollutants, regulate water flow, and mitigate flood risks.

This initiative is not just about planting trees—it is about empowering communities. Local farmers, fishers, and women’s groups are being mobilized to take ownership of the restoration process, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices.

By anchoring restoration efforts in community participation, VCCI and ED aim to build resilience against environmental shocks and bolster local economies through sustainable resource management.

The launch of VCCI’s massive tree-planting campaign on Saturday in Mukambu chiefdom, Mahagi Territory, drew a crowd of over 1,000 participants, signaling a remarkable shift in the region’s approach to environmental justice.

This lakeshore community, situated within the shadow of major oil developments like Uganda’s Tilenga, Kingfisher, and EACOP projects, faces mounting environmental challenges, from deforestation and climate-induced drought to the social and ecological pressures brought by an influx of displaced people fleeing violence in nearby Djugu.

In recent years, Mukambu has endured a stark climate crisis, with rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and ongoing deforestation threatening not just local forests, but also the integrity of the Lake Albert Basin.

Despite this, environmental action had been notably absent—until now. While the area has seen a flurry of humanitarian interventions from global NGOs addressing immediate needs, long-term solutions to restore the natural environment and rebuild resilience have been lacking.

Enter VCCI, a grassroots movement backed by Environmental Defenders (ED). Comprised of over 5,000 farmers, landowners, women, and youth from Mukambu and surrounding chiefdoms like Wagungu, Angal, and War Palara, VCCI has stepped up to lead the charge for a greener, more sustainable future.

With ED’s support, VCCI has established 50 community branches, developed seed banks, created nursery beds producing over 200,000 native tree seedlings such as African mahogany and shea trees, and pioneered waste recycling and environmental education initiatives.

This season alone, VCCI plans to plant 500,000 trees, transforming degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems that provide not just carbon sequestration and biodiversity habitats, but also critical resources for food, water, and livelihoods.

In a region where deforestation has fueled displacement and exacerbated poverty, this restoration effort represents hope and resilience.

Drive to Restore Lake Albert Basin

In a powerful demonstration of community-led environmental restoration, Vision Collective pour le Changement Integral (VCCI) has joined forces with Environmental Defenders (ED) to launch a large-scale tree-planting campaign aimed at revitalizing the Lake Albert Basin in Mahagi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

This ambitious initiative, officially launched on Saturday, May 31, is in honour of World Environment Day, celebrated globally on June 5.

As one of Environmental Defenders’ grantees in the DRC, VCCI is mobilizing local communities to plant thousands of trees, addressing deforestation, restoring ecosystems, and securing livelihoods around the Lake Albert Basin.

The Lake Albert Basin, straddling the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is an ecological and socio-economic powerhouse in the African Great Lakes region.

Covering approximately 5,300 km² and extending into the larger Albertine Graben ecosystem, this basin supports diverse bionetworks with over 24 fish species, including more than 60 endemic cichlid species.

Its unique location at the junction of the East African Rift Valley and the Congo Basin makes it crucial for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of millions.

Lake Albert’s catchment area receives inflows from major rivers like the Semliki and Kyoga Nile, forming a dynamic water system that supports fisheries, wetlands, and forests.

Its rich biodiversity includes a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and endemic plant species found in surrounding national parks such as Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park.

However, the basin faces severe environmental challenges. Rapid population growth, unregulated fishing practices, deforestation for agriculture and fuelwood, pollution from urban waste and mining, and the looming impacts of climate change have degraded water quality, destabilized ecosystems, and exacerbated conflicts over resource use.

The oil extraction projects near the lake’s eastern shore, including the controversial Tilenga and Kingfisher fields, threaten to disrupt fragile ecosystems, pollute water sources, and displace communities, with risks of oil spills and increased erosion.

In the DRC’s Mahagi Territory, these threats manifest in deteriorating fisheries, shrinking forest cover, and declining livelihoods, particularly affecting small-scale fishers, farmers, and women who depend on natural resources for their survival.

Recognizing these challenges, Vision Collective pour le Changement Intégral has partnered with Environmental Defenders, a regional environmental justice organization, to launch large-scale tree-planting campaigns.

This initiative, supported by ED’s grants, aims to restore degraded landscapes, stabilize the local climate, and secure the lake’s ecological integrity.

These efforts are not just environmental interventions—they are a defense of human rights and livelihoods.
By restoring the Lake Albert Basin, especially on the DRC side, VCCI and ED are working to build resilience for local communities, safeguard critical biodiversity, and push back against unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

In response to the escalating environmental degradation in the Lake Albert Basin, VCCI, with strong backing from Environmental Defenders, has launched an ambitious plan to plant 500,000 native tree seedlings across the Mahagi Territory in 2025 alone.

This large-scale reforestation effort aims to counteract the adverse impacts of deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change, while simultaneously restoring vital ecosystems that sustain local livelihoods.

These native species have been carefully selected to reinforce the natural biodiversity of the region, provide habitats for wildlife, and help stabilize the water catchments feeding into Lake Albert.

By planting trees along riverbanks, wetlands, and degraded landscapes, VCCI and ED are restoring essential buffers that filter pollutants, regulate water flow, and mitigate flood risks.

This initiative is not just about planting trees—it is about empowering communities. Local farmers, fishers, and women’s groups are being mobilized to take ownership of the restoration process, blending traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices.

By anchoring restoration efforts in community participation, VCCI and ED aim to build resilience against environmental shocks and bolster local economies through sustainable resource management.

The launch of VCCI’s massive tree-planting campaign on Saturday in Mukambu chiefdom, Mahagi Territory, drew a crowd of over 1,000 participants, signaling a remarkable shift in the region’s approach to environmental justice.

This lakeshore community, situated within the shadow of major oil developments like Uganda’s Tilenga, Kingfisher, and EACOP projects, faces mounting environmental challenges, from deforestation and climate-induced drought to the social and ecological pressures brought by an influx of displaced people fleeing violence in nearby Djugu.

In recent years, Mukambu has endured a stark climate crisis, with rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and ongoing deforestation threatening not just local forests, but also the integrity of the Lake Albert Basin.

Despite this, environmental action had been notably absent—until now. While the area has seen a flurry of humanitarian interventions from global NGOs addressing immediate needs, long-term solutions to restore the natural environment and rebuild resilience have been lacking.

Enter VCCI, a grassroots movement backed by Environmental Defenders (ED). Comprised of over 5,000 farmers, landowners, women, and youth from Mukambu and surrounding chiefdoms like Wagungu, Angal, and War Palara, VCCI has stepped up to lead the charge for a greener, more sustainable future. With ED’s support, VCCI has established 50 community branches, developed seed banks, created nursery beds producing over 200,000 native tree seedlings such as African mahogany and shea trees, and pioneered waste recycling and environmental education initiatives.

This season alone, VCCI plans to plant 500,000 trees, transforming degraded landscapes into thriving ecosystems that provide not just carbon sequestration and biodiversity habitats, but also critical resources for food, water, and livelihoods.

In a region where deforestation has fueled displacement and exacerbated poverty, this restoration effort represents hope and resilience.

Profound environmental and economic benefits

Stabilizing soils against erosion, restoring natural water cycles, filtering pollutants before they reach Lake Albert, and creating habitats for wildlife offer profound benefits.

For communities, the campaign brings job opportunities—from nursery workers to environmental educators—and boosts incomes for women and youth engaged in seedling production and sustainable farming.

At the heart of this movement, Environmental Defenders plays a pivotal role by providing financial, technical, and advocacy support to VCCI’s initiatives.

Their partnership empowers local communities to take ownership of environmental restoration, creating a model of resilience that not only addresses immediate environmental crises but also lays the groundwork for sustainable development and climate adaptation. This initiative stands as a call to action—for communities in Mahagi, for policy-makers in Kinshasa, and for global stakeholders.

Ecosystem degradation threatens not only the environment but also livelihoods, human rights, and future generations. Without bold local action, the Sustainable Development Goals risk remaining unmet.

But if organizations like VCCI and ED can galvanize communities to restore ecosystems, inspire youth and women, and pioneer scalable solutions, then a more sustainable, just, and resilient future is possible.

Mukambu’s tree-planting campaign is more than just an environmental project. It is a beacon of hope, a rallying cry for ecosystem restoration, and a living testament to the power of community action. As the saying goes: If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

The launch of the massive tree-planting initiative by VCCI and Environmental Defenders in Mukambu marks a turning point in the fight to restore the Lake Albert Basin and safeguard the livelihoods and environment of Mahagi’s communities.

It demonstrates how, even in regions beleaguered by conflict, displacement, and climate stress, local communities can reclaim agency over their natural resources and future.

This effort is not only about trees—it’s about hope, resilience, and the recognition that healthy ecosystems are the foundation of peace, prosperity, and human rights.

It’s about creating a blueprint for other communities across the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond, showing that grassroots action, backed by committed allies, can reverse degradation and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.

As the world approaches yet another World Environment Day, Mukambu’s 500,000-tree promise serves as a timely reminder that real change starts from the ground up—with local action, community spirit, and the unwavering belief that a better, greener future is within reach.

During the launch event held at the AIC Chawa Church courtyard, various stakeholders expressed their unwavering support and commitment to the tree-planting initiative spearheaded by Vision Collective pour le Changement Intégral (VCCI). The ceremony was marked by impassioned speeches from local authorities, community leaders, and representatives of supporting organizations, all underscoring the critical role of reforestation in combating climate change and restoring degraded lands.

Mr. David Unencan, Executive Director of VCCI, opened the proceedings by outlining the project’s ambitious objectives. He emphasized that the initiative aims to distribute millions of free indigenous tree seedlings to farmers actively engaged in environmental protection. Highlighting the crucial support received from Environmental Defenders, an NGO dedicated to nature conservation and indigenous rights, Mr. Unencan noted that their provision of seedbed preparation kits had enabled VCCI to establish nurseries housing 25,599 seedlings. He issued a heartfelt appeal to the local population to rally behind the project, drawing attention to the devastating loss of vast tree plantations, such as the Benna forest in the Mokambo chiefdom, due to human activities and overpopulation.

Local authorities were quick to voice their endorsement. Mr. Ukethwengu Jean Lambert, acting as the interim chief of the Mokambo chiefdom, commended VCCI for its visionary initiative and pledged his personal commitment by becoming a member of the VCCI community. He urged the people of Mokambo to embrace the project, emphasizing its vital role in safeguarding nature for future generations. Similarly, Mr. Vercam, head of the environmental service of the Mokambo chiefdom, praised the young members of VCCI for their dedication. He pledged his support by offering to monitor the growth of the distributed seedlings, while underscoring the essential role of trees in promoting good health and providing shade.

The event also featured a spiritual perspective from the vicar of the Catholic parish of Angumu, Mukambu. He congratulated VCCI on its efforts to combat global warming and reminded attendees of the looming threat of desertification, with deserts like the Sahara and Kalahari advancing toward Central Africa. Citing the parish of Mokambu as a model, where the priest had prohibited cutting down trees around the convent to ensure habitability, the vicar highlighted trees as a vital source of energy in regions without hydroelectric power. He respectfully called on authorities to mandate the reforestation of all hills in the Mokambo chiefdom, emphasizing the urgency of collective action.

The youth of the region also played a prominent role in the discussions. Benjamin, president of the youth of the Mokambo chiefdom, issued a rallying cry for young people to plant diverse varieties of trees to restore the land and mitigate climate change. He encouraged parents to allocate land to their children for tree planting and proposed that VCCI be permitted to reforest all pastures in the Mokambo chiefdom—a request that was immediately granted by the interim chief, Mr. Jean Lambert.

The initiative’s potential impact on education was highlighted by Mr. Luka Uyergiu Kakuku, chief of staff of the Mahagi 4 educational sub-division. He expressed his satisfaction with VCCI’s efforts and requested that the project extend its reach by providing young trees to all schools under his jurisdiction. He noted the widespread need for seedlings across various sectors, underscoring the project’s broader societal benefits.

Mr. Uguti Justin Upar, coordinator of the Terra Agricultural Cooperative and a member of Environmental Defenders, commended VCCI for its rapid progress in registering members across different chiefdoms. He urged beneficiaries to diligently care for the free seedlings by watering them and applying organic fertilizers. Additionally, he issued a stern warning against detrimental agricultural practices such as bushfires, stating that such projects would not be implemented in communities that persist in these harmful habits.

The event also served as an opportunity to shed light on Environmental Defenders’ mission. Mr. Warom Jaryekonga Samuel, communications director of Environmental Defenders in the Congo Basin, explained that his organization is a non-profit NGO dedicated to protecting nature and advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples. He detailed their support for individuals and organizations engaged in conservation efforts and fighting against violations of smallholder farmers’ rights. Notably, Environmental Defenders has launched a grant program to empower Congolese and Ugandan journalists, aiming to enhance their capacity to expose environmental injustices and amplify the voices of environmental and human rights defenders.

The launch ceremony concluded with a symbolic gesture that encapsulated the spirit of the initiative. Agronomist Mr. Genrwoth Richard handed over the first seedling—a Beyo tree—to Mr. David Unencan, who then passed it to the chief of the Mokambo chiefdom. The chief planted the seedling in the courtyard of the AIC Chawa Church, after which it was watered. The reverend pastor of the AIC Church then offered a prayer to bless the project, marking the official commencement of this vital environmental endeavor.

About Environmental Defenders (ED)

Environmental Defenders is a regional environmental justice and conservation organization operating across Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a mission to protect and restore natural ecosystems while defending the rights of the people and wildlife that depend on them.

Through a combination of environmental education, community empowerment, advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation projects, ED works to promote sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and social justice.
From supporting local tree-planting campaigns to defending environmental human rights defenders, ED embodies a vision of a just and sustainable future for all.

About Vision Collective pour le Changement Intégral (VCCI)

VCCI is a dynamic grassroots organization based in Mahagi Territory, DRC, uniting over 5,000 farmers, landowners, women, and youth from multiple chiefdoms to lead environmental restoration and sustainable development efforts.
Established with support from Environmental Defenders, VCCI’s initiatives include large-scale tree-planting campaigns, seed banking, waste recycling, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods projects.

With over 50 active community branches, VCCI is not only restoring ecosystems but also revitalizing the local economy and empowering communities to reclaim their role as stewards of the land.