The DRC’s national chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network: giving young Congolese a voice in policies and decisions relating to biodiversity.
The national chapter of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network – GYBN in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. GYBN is the official youth coordination platform for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
GYBN DRC, also known as CYBN, works to ensure that young people’s voices are heard in national policies and decisions relating to biodiversity, whilst creating opportunities for young people across the DRC to participate, build their capacity and take action.
We want a Democratic Republic of the Congo where young people are aware of the richness of their biodiversity, play a part in protecting it and have a say in decisions that affect it.
We believe in a future where biodiversity is better understood and protected, where communities play a part in finding solutions, and where young Congolese people can play their full part in building a healthy and sustainable environment.
In the DRC, more than 6 out of 10 people are young. This considerable force has the power to change the fate of our biodiversity, which is among the richest in the world. GYBN-DRC connects young people, organisations and initiatives across the country to better recognise, understand and protect this wealth, and to speak out collectively in support of biodiversity.
the year the network was established, in Kisangani
members active across the DRC
national youth consultations
people affected by our activities
Discover our blogs, activities, events and press releases.
How can the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor be turned into a catalyst for biodiversity conservation and development, driven by local communities and Congolese youth? The Congolese Youth Biodiversity Network……
The GYBN DRC chapter has been set up to mobilise young Congolese people around biodiversity conservation and environmental action.
The chapter has been officially launched in Kisangani, giving rise to a nationwide drive to mobilise young people in support of biodiversity.
GYBN DRC is taking part in the EarthDay 50 campaign alongside EarthDay Network, through online activities and events in Kisangani.
Two conferences are being organised to raise awareness amongst young people about the challenges of conservation, governance and the protection of biodiversity.
Young people in Kisangani are getting involved in a community clean-up and tree-planting initiative.
Young people in Kisangani are being consulted on the preliminary draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
In partnership with AWF, GYBN DRC is building young people’s capacity on climate change issues and environmental action.
GYBN DRC is organising a week in Kinshasa, in partnership with AWF, dedicated to raising awareness and engaging young people in biodiversity issues.
An online consultation enables young people to contribute to the second draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
A conference in Bukavu explores the role of new technologies in biodiversity monitoring and biomonitoring.
In Kinshasa, GYBN DRC is continuing its consultations with young people on the preliminary draft of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
In partnership with the WWF, young people are taking part in a tree-planting activity at Camp Saïo in Bukavu.
GYBN DRC has formalised its legal status in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thereby strengthening its institutional framework and national development.
GYBN DRC is taking part in the UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, representing the views of Congolese youth.
GYBN DRC is taking part in COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, which is dedicated to the adoption of the Global Framework.
GYBN DRC is organising the side event «Biodiversity and Future Generations» during the second Congo Basin Biodiversity Conference.
Supported by GIZ, the first Youth Summit on Biodiversity is being held in Kinshasa to strengthen dialogue, leadership and action amongst young people.
GYBN DRC is taking part in the AYSB in Casablanca, Morocco, strengthening links between young African stakeholders in the field of biodiversity.
GYBN DRC is taking part in the seminar for young rural leaders in Herrsching, promoting international exchanges on rural development.
In Kisangani, GYBN DRC is raising awareness amongst young people about the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its objectives.
A new coordination team is being set up to strengthen the network’s leadership, organisation and development at national level.
GYBN DRC is consulting young people on their involvement in biodiversity conservation in the DRC and gathering their views.
GYBN DRC is adopting a new strategy to organise its work, strengthen its network and increase young people’s contribution to biodiversity.
By 2030, the world will assess progress towards the 23 targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, with its «30×30» target.
In this context, the involvement of young people is more important than ever, particularly that of young people in the DRC. Given the vast wealth of its flora and fauna, and the scale of ongoing projects such as the Kivu–Kinshasa Green Corridor, our country is at the heart of these issues. Young people must analyse and understand these issues and take meaningful action: the stakes demand it.
Protect at least 30 % of land, inland waters and marine and coastal areas by 2030: Target 3 of the Global Framework.
The forests of the Congo Basin, the Albertine Rift Mountains, the Great Lakes and the wetlands: the DRC is home to species found nowhere else, such as the okapi, the bonobo and the Congolese peacock.
A protected area designated as a community reserve, established in 2025: a major project that young people need to understand, follow and support.
Here is our Strategic Plan 2026–2031 : the Congolese Youth Biodiversity Network’s roadmap for mobilising, training and giving a voice to Congolese youth in the protection of biodiversity.
To make this happen, we need your help.
