DRCTourism is founded on the belief that tourism must protect, not endanger, the natural and cultural systems that make destinations meaningful. As a platform dedicated to showcasing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we operate in a country that plays a critical role in global climate stability.

The Congo Basin rainforest — the world's second-largest tropical forest — is a vital carbon sink, biodiversity reservoir, and life-support system for millions of people.

For us, climate action is not optional. It is a responsibility.

Signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism

DRCTourism is a proud applicant and future signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, led by UN Tourism and partners. By aligning with this global framework, we commit to accelerating climate action in tourism and supporting the collective goal of halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

This commitment reflects our intention to move beyond promotion and actively contribute to climate-positive tourism development in Central Africa.

Why Climate Action Matters for the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the most climate-critical countries on Earth:

Home to the Congo Basin rainforest, a global climate regulator
Host to unparalleled biodiversity, including endemic and endangered species
A frontline region facing deforestation, extractive pressure, and climate vulnerability
A country where tourism can either accelerate harm or become a tool for protection

DRCTourism exists to ensure tourism becomes part of the solution.

Our Climate Action Pillars

1. Low-Impact & Responsible Tourism Promotion

We prioritize and promote tourism experiences that:

• Respect protected areas and conservation rules
• Limit environmental footprint
• Support nature-based, slow, and low-density travel
• Encourage longer stays over high-volume visitation

2. Community-Led & Conservation Tourism

We actively highlight and support tourism models that:

• Empower local and Indigenous communities
• Generate income linked to conservation outcomes
• Create alternatives to deforestation, poaching, and extractive dependency
• Value traditional ecological knowledge

3. Measurement & Transparency

As our platform scales, we commit to:

• Working toward measuring the carbon footprint of our operations
• Encouraging partners and operators to adopt emissions tracking
• Sharing best practices and tools aligned with international standards

4. Education, Awareness & Influence

DRCTourism uses storytelling and data to:

• Educate travelers about climate-sensitive destinations
• Raise awareness of the Congo Basin's global importance
• Influence travelers, investors, and operators toward responsible choices
• Promote climate literacy within tourism narratives

What This Means in Practice

Through our platform, we will:

Feature conservation-led destinations, parks, and reserves
Prioritize eco-lodges, community tourism, and regenerative initiatives
Discourage harmful, extractive, or illegal tourism practices
Collaborate with conservation bodies, tourism institutions, and communities
Align future developments with international climate and sustainability frameworks

A Long-Term Vision

Our vision is to help shape a tourism economy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that:

Protects ecosystems instead of exploiting them
Creates dignified livelihoods without destroying natural capital
Positions the Congo as a global leader in climate-relevant tourism
Contributes to global climate goals through preservation, not extraction

Tourism must not cost the Earth.

For the Congo, for Africa, and for future generations, DRCTourism commits to building a tourism narrative — and a tourism economy — that is climate-conscious, regenerative, and just.

Executive Leadership Statement

"Tourism in the Congo cannot be separated from climate responsibility. As custodians of one of the world's most important ecosystems, we believe tourism must actively protect forests, wildlife, and communities. DRCTourism exists to shift tourism away from extractive models toward regenerative, climate-positive development that benefits both people and planet."

— Founder & Leadership Laure Zoya, DRCTourism

This page reflects DRCTourism's public climate commitment and alignment with the principles of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

Climate Commitment