On 27 July 2023, ERAIFT signed a MoU with WWF for the implementation of the project entitled "Establishing a green alliance with local communities through the implementation of a landscape-scale intervention in Central Kongo, DRC", funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for a period of 5 years, from 2023 to 2027.

This new project aims to contribute to maintaining the ecological integrity of the Luki Biosphere Reserve and developing the green alliance between the Luki Biosphere Reserve and the Mangrove Marine Park, by increasing economic opportunities, empowerment and benefits for rural communities.

In this action, ERAIFT will implement activities linked firstly to strengthening the capacities of the Local Steering Committee (LSC) for the monitoring and management of the Luki Biosphere Reserve as a whole (Output 1. 1), and secondly to improve capacity for nature conservation and sustainable practices within local communities, through support for scientific research and education activities with national and international post-secondary institutions (Output 1.2) with a budget of SEK 6,761,121 (approximately USD 637,780).

ERAIFT would therefore like to sincerely thank the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency for its financial support for this project. It also expresses its gratitude to WWF for its cooperation in implementing this project, which is vitally important for safeguarding biodiversity in the landscape of the Luki Biosphere Reserve and Mangrove Marine Park.