Tourism That Protects
the Congo Basin
Building a sustainable, community-led and biodiversity-first tourism ecosystem for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
DRCTourism.com is committed to developing tourism that protects nature, empowers communities, preserves culture and aligns with global sustainability frameworks, including UNWTO, UNESCO, the African Tourism Board and Green Destinations.
Climate Action in Tourism
Signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
We align with the global tourism community's commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 — anchoring our work in sustainable tourism, climate action, conservation, support for local communities, and the protection of biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As stewards of the Congo Basin — Earth's second-largest tropical rainforest — we believe tourism must protect ecosystems, fund conservation, and create dignified livelihoods for the communities who safeguard them.
UN One Planet Network
Aligned with the Sustainable Tourism Programme
The Sustainable Tourism Programme of the UN One Planet Network accelerates the shift toward sustainable consumption and production patterns in tourism. DRCTourism aligns its destination development, partner standards and traveller education with the programme's principles.
Explore the Sustainable Tourism Programme →Commitment of DRC · 2026 – 2030
DRCTourism — Climate Action & Sustainability Commitment
1. Introduction
DRCTourism is committed to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through environmentally conscious travel experiences, support for local communities, and conservation-focused tourism development.
As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, DRCTourism supports global efforts to advance climate action and build a more sustainable tourism sector for future generations.
2. Our Vision
We believe tourism can contribute positively to environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community development while showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
3. Our Sustainability Commitments
DRCTourism commits to:
- Promote responsible and eco-conscious tourism experiences across the Democratic Republic of the Congo;
- Support local guides, local tourism businesses, and community participation in tourism activities;
- Encourage respect for wildlife, forests, ecosystems, and protected natural areas;
- Reduce unnecessary waste and promote environmentally responsible practices during tours and operations;
- Raise awareness among travelers about sustainable tourism and conservation in the Congo Basin;
- Collaborate with tourism stakeholders, conservation organizations, and local communities to strengthen sustainable tourism development.
4. Alignment with the Glasgow Declaration Pathways
Measure
DRCTourism will progressively evaluate and improve the sustainability of its tourism operations and practices.
Decarbonize
DRCTourism will encourage lower-impact tourism practices and seek opportunities to reduce unnecessary environmental impact in its operations.
Regenerate
DRCTourism supports tourism initiatives that contribute positively to environmental conservation and local communities.
Collaborate
DRCTourism will work with local communities, tourism professionals, conservation organizations, and international partners to promote sustainable tourism.
Finance
DRCTourism will support tourism activities and partnerships that contribute to sustainable economic opportunities and long-term tourism resilience.
5. Initial Actions (2026)
- Launch a Sustainability & Climate Action page on the DRCTourism website;
- Publish DRCTourism's commitment as a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism;
- Promote eco-tourism and responsible travel messaging across marketing materials and digital platforms;
- Prioritize local guides and community involvement in tourism experiences;
- Encourage sustainable travel behavior among visitors;
- Reduce unnecessary single-use materials during tours whenever possible.
6. Long-Term Goals
DRCTourism aims to contribute to positioning the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an emerging destination for sustainable and responsible tourism in Africa while supporting conservation and community development initiatives.
7. Conclusion
DRCTourism recognizes the importance of climate action and sustainability in the future of tourism. Through collaboration, education, and responsible tourism practices, we are committed to contributing to a more resilient tourism sector that protects the natural and cultural heritage of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Five Pathways
Our Commitments to Climate Action
We act across the five pathways of the Glasgow Declaration to deliver sustainable tourism in Central Africa.
Measure
Track emissions and impact across our operations and partner network.
Decarbonize
Reduce emissions in transport, accommodations and tour operations.
Regenerate
Restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity in the Congo Basin.
Collaborate
Partner with communities, parks, government and global tourism bodies.
Finance
Direct tourism revenue toward conservation and community development.
Our Key Sustainability Commitments
Support the development of eco-lodges and low-impact accommodations
Protect wildlife, biodiversity and natural habitats
Promote community-led tourism across all 26 provinces
Reduce carbon footprint in tours and transport
Encourage digital ticketing and cashless experiences
Support reforestation and local conservation groups
Ethics, Human Rights & Fair Work
DRCTourism.com applies a zero-tolerance policy toward exploitation and unethical practices.
- Zero tolerance for sexual, labor, child or commercial exploitation
- Respect for human rights and local labour laws
- Fair wages aligned with local standards
- Non-discriminatory employment and partnerships
- Safe and respectful working environments
Community Empowerment & Local Economy
Tourism should benefit the people who protect and carry the land.
- Prioritise local guides, drivers, artisans and storytellers
- Ensure tourism revenue remains within communities
- Support skills transfer, training and capacity building
- Promote women-led and youth-led initiatives
- Work with communities before promoting sensitive sites
Biodiversity & Conservation
The Congo Basin is one of the most important ecosystems on Earth.
- No sale or exploitation of native flora or fauna
- Promotion of conservation-led tourism
- Support habitat restoration and reforestation
- Environmental education for travellers
- Small-group, low-impact wildlife experiences
Climate Action & Environmental Responsibility
- Promote renewable energy use (hydro & solar) through partners
- Encourage shared and low-emission transport
- Reduce plastic, food waste and water consumption
- Promote rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly products
- Support nature-based and climate-resilient solutions
Accessibility & Inclusion
We believe sustainable tourism must also be inclusive.
- Provide advance information on mobility needs, allergies and dietary requirements
- Offer customised itineraries where possible
- Communicate transparently about accessibility limitations
- Respect cultural sensitivities and local norms
Responsible Travel Pledge
How Visitors Can Help
Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
Sustainability is an ongoing commitment.
- Regular review of sustainability practices
- Community and partner feedback mechanisms
- Continuous alignment with global standards
- Ongoing improvement as tourism grows
Our Certification Journey
DRCTourism.com has achieved a high sustainability score through the Good Travel Scan by Green Destinations and is committed to progressing toward formal certification, continuously strengthening responsible tourism practices across its ecosystem.
"Sustainability is not a checkbox for us. It is the foundation of how tourism should work in the Congo Basin."