--- title: Respect The Congo Basin Forest! description: Ask Africa leaders to act on their promises to stop the destruction of forests. image: https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/CONGO-basin-cover.jpg --- [![Greenpeace](https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/greenpeace_p4_theme/assets/gp-logo.svg)](https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en) Sign petition ![GP04BY4\_Low res (800px)-1](https://pages.greenpeaceafrica.org/hubfs/GP04BY4_Low%20res%20(800px)-1.jpg "GP04BY4_Low res (800px)-1") The Congo Basin is the second-largest rainforest on Earth after the Amazon. It sustains the lives of millions across Africa, and is home to thousands of plant and animal species many of which are found nowhere else on earth. \[1\]  But this vital forest is under growing threat.  Industrial logging, oil drilling and illegal mining are tearing through its heart, destroying ecosystems that have thrived for thousands of years \[2\].  But there is hope.  Indigenous People and Local Communities are not standing down. They are already rising to defend their home. They are demanding justice and calling for real solutions: African-led forest solutions that strengthen communities, without destroying nature. \[3\] Add your name to call for bold African leadership at COP30 this November. Let African leaders know: we expect respect for the forests that give us life, respect for the people who protect them, and respect for all African voices demanding an end to deforestation. The Congo Basin is Africa’s green heart - let’s keep it beating. ### **References** **\[[1](https://www.cifor.org/knowledge/publication/7700/)\] FAO & CIFOR (2020)** – *Forests of the Congo Basin – State of the Forest 2020*. **\[[2](https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/press/52599/congo-basin-illegal-logging)\] Greenpeace Africa (2022)** – *Industrial Logging and Deforestation in the Congo Basin*.  **\[[3](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/indigenous-guardians-congo-basin%20 )\] UNEP (2021)** – *African Indigenous Communities as Guardians of the Congo Forest*.  supporters needed to reach By clicking to submit on a petition or form, you agree to Greenpeace Africa using the information you provide to keep you updated via email, mail, telephone, WhatsApp, text and social media about our campaigns and the ways you can help and get involved. For more information please see our [Privacy Policy](https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/privacy-and-cookies/). 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