AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Rescue & Welfare: A Republic of Congo team helped save Lola, a pet chimpanzee, and Nico, a mandrill, from private captivity in Equatorial Guinea, with vets rushing in after Lola fell ill—highlighting how wildlife kept as pets can suffer serious health and welfare risks. Forest Protection & Illegal Logging: Civil society groups sounded the alarm over timber looting and land exploitation around the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and Djoko Community Forest, warning that illegal logging and mining-linked pressures threaten the Congo Basin’s biodiversity and the forest’s role as a buffer and wildlife corridor. Climate Signal: June 2026 was reported as the world’s second-hottest June on record, underscoring the accelerating heat trend that drives ecosystem stress and extreme weather. River-to-Ocean Science: Scientists traced how the Congo River’s massive freshwater outflow moves into the Atlantic, carried far offshore by rotating ocean eddies—key for improving models of ocean circulation and marine ecosystems. Energy & Emissions Pressure: A new global gas flaring report flags Nigeria among the biggest flarers and notes flaring’s climate impact, adding urgency for methane and flaring cuts across the region. Health Security (One Health): India’s health ministry convened a One Health consultation to strengthen zoonotic disease prevention, surveillance, labs, and response—relevant to how environmental pressures can spill into public health. Energy Investment Platform: The Republic of Congo announced the Congo Energy & Investment Forum 2027 in Brazzaville to attract deals and investment into the country’s energy sector.

Wildlife & Forest Protection: Civil society groups warn that illegal logging and land exploitation tied to the Mbalam mining project are threatening the Ngoyla Wildlife Reserve and the Djoko Community Forest, key parts of the Congo Basin and a corridor for endangered great apes and forest elephants. Climate Extremes: June 2026 was reported as the Earth’s second-hottest June on record, underscoring intensifying global warming impacts. Freshwater & Oceans: Scientists traced how Congo River freshwater—about 40,000 cubic meters every second—gets carried hundreds of kilometers offshore by rotating ocean eddies, shaping ocean circulation and marine ecosystems. Biodiversity Monitoring: New listening devices have confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga reserve, adding to evidence for protecting aquatic wildlife. Energy & Emissions: A global tracker flags gas flaring as a major climate driver, with Nigeria among the top flarers—relevant for regional efforts to cut pollution and methane.

Congo River Research: Scientists tracked how Congo River freshwater moves across the Atlantic, finding giant rotating ocean eddies can carry the plume hundreds of kilometers offshore in short bursts—key for better ocean, climate, and marine life models. Biodiversity & Wildlife Monitoring: New listening devices confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga reserve, adding fresh data for protecting the species and its habitat. Mining & Energy Governance: At the MOTA 2026 Summit, Congo’s mining minister pushed for “priority projects” not to be held hostage by funding failures, while a separate Congo Energy & Investment Forum announcement targets Brazzaville as an energy deal hub. Sustainability Reporting: Castel Group released its 2025 sustainability report, highlighting efforts to cut environmental footprint and build locally rooted supply chains across African operations. Public Health (One Health): India’s health ministry consulted on a zoonoses action plan using a One Health approach—strengthening coordination, surveillance, labs, and response systems. Climate Pollution Pressure: A World Bank flaring tracker report flags that nine countries drive most global gas flaring, with Nigeria among the biggest—worsening greenhouse emissions.

Climate Security Push: UK MPs demand publication of a spy report warning ecosystem collapse could trigger food shortages, migration and instability within five years, as climate finance and aid cuts leave the country “failing to join the dots.” Congo River Science: New research tracks how the Congo River’s massive freshwater outflow (about 40,000 cubic metres per second) is carried hundreds of kilometres offshore by ocean eddies—key for better ocean, climate and marine ecosystem models. Biodiversity Monitoring: A new listening study confirms African manatees in the Republic of Congo’s Tchimpounga reserve, adding to efforts to protect wildlife in the region. Energy & Environment: Angola and the Republic of the Congo discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, while a separate forum announcement positions Brazzaville as an energy investment hub—raising the stakes for how oil and gas growth aligns with pollution and ecosystem protection. Mining Pressure: MOTA 2026 highlights African nations pushing for “sovereignty and sustainability” in mining deals, with Congo signaling limits on stalled projects. Health-Environment Link: India’s One Health zoonoses plan underscores the need for wildlife, environmental and lab coordination—relevant for Congo’s disease-risk management.

Freshwater & Oceans: Scientists say Congo River freshwater—about 40,000 cubic metres every second—gets carried hundreds of kilometres offshore by giant rotating ocean eddies, shaping ocean circulation and marine ecosystems. Wildlife Monitoring: New listening devices have confirmed African manatees in the Republic of Congo’s Tchimpounga reserve, boosting confidence in local conservation efforts. Climate Pollution: A World Bank tracker reports global gas flaring rose again in 2025, with nine countries (including Nigeria) driving most flare volumes—highlighting major greenhouse-gas and methane risks. Biodiversity Finance: At the GEF assembly, delegates pushed blended finance to mobilise private money for biodiversity and climate adaptation as public funding falls short. Health & Environment Link: India’s One Health zoonoses plan consultation brings together human, animal, wildlife and environmental sectors to strengthen surveillance and response—an approach relevant to Congo’s wildlife-health risks. Energy Investment (Congo): Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum in 2027, aiming to attract deals across oil and gas and LNG projects.

Freshwater Science: New research traces how the Congo River’s massive freshwater outflow (about 40,000 cubic metres every second) rides giant ocean eddies hundreds of kilometres into the Atlantic—key for better ocean, climate, and marine ecosystem models. Wildlife Monitoring: New listening devices have confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga reserve, strengthening evidence for protection of the species and its habitat. Energy & Investment: Brazzaville is set to host the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (June 1–3, 2027), positioning the Republic of Congo as a hub for global energy deal-making and investment. Biodiversity Finance: At the GEF assembly in Samarkand, delegates pushed blended finance to unlock private money for biodiversity and climate adaptation when public budgets fall short. Zoonoses Preparedness: India’s One Health plan consultations highlight what multisector coordination, surveillance, labs, and response systems look like—useful lessons for regional disease readiness. Marine Safety Innovation: A study on using plastic bottles as net “warning” devices aims to reduce dolphin bycatch in fishing gear.

Biodiversity in Congo: The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the waterways of the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, with a January mission training local technicians and setting up long-term acoustic monitoring. Freshwater & oceans: Scientists traced how Congo River freshwater—about 40,000 cubic metres every second—gets carried hundreds of kilometres offshore by giant rotating ocean eddies, shaping ocean circulation and marine ecosystems. Wildlife monitoring: In the same Congo conservation orbit, the reserve’s manatee confirmation highlights how habitat protection can be tracked beyond rare sightings. Climate & pollution accountability: A World Bank-linked report flags that nine countries drive most global gas flaring; Nigeria is named among the top flarers, underscoring wasted energy and added greenhouse emissions. Health & environment link: India’s Health Ministry consultations on zoonotic disease plans stress One Health coordination across human health, wildlife, and environmental sectors.

Congo River Science: New research traces how the Congo River’s massive freshwater outflow (about 40,000 cubic metres per second) rides giant ocean eddies, pushing less-salty water hundreds of kilometres into the Atlantic—key for better ocean, climate, and marine ecosystem models. Wildlife Protection: The Jane Goodall Institute says African manatees have been confirmed in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, with plans for long-term acoustic monitoring to strengthen habitat protection. Biodiversity & Fisheries Tech: A study highlights how adding sound-reflecting plastic bottles to fishing nets could help dolphins avoid bycatch, turning coastal waste into an animal warning system. Climate Pollution Pressure: A World Bank tracker reports global gas flaring rose again in 2025, with nine major flaring countries driving most volumes; it flags the climate impact of burning gas instead of capturing it. Nature-Based Solutions Funding: Africa is being urged to scale nature-based climate action with smarter financing and stronger partnerships, including calls for innovative funding beyond traditional climate money. Local Conservation News: Tchimpounga’s manatee confirmation adds fresh momentum for protecting Congo’s river habitats.

Wildlife & Habitat: New research confirms African manatees in the waterways of the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, with local teams trained for long-term acoustic monitoring—good news for biodiversity and a reminder that habitat protection is working. River Ecology: Scientists tracked the Congo River’s massive freshwater outflow—about 40,000 cubic metres every second—showing how swirling ocean currents can carry Congo nutrients and freshwater hundreds of kilometres into the Atlantic, shaping marine ecosystems and fisheries. Pollution & Climate: A World Bank-linked report says gas flaring rose again in 2025, with Nigeria among the top flaring countries; flaring wastes energy and boosts greenhouse gases, including methane. Nature-Based Solutions: Africa-focused experts urged governments and partners to scale nature-based solutions for climate resilience, jobs, equity, and justice, emphasizing forests, wetlands, mangroves, and healthy soils. Conservation Tech: A study suggests turning plastic bottles into audible “warnings” on fishing nets to reduce dolphin bycatch, offering a low-cost alternative to expensive pingers. Local Biodiversity Monitoring: The manatee confirmation also highlights community training and monitoring as practical tools for protecting species in Republic of Congo reserves.

River & Ocean Science: A new study follows the Congo River’s massive freshwater discharge—about 40,000 cubic metres every second—showing how swirling currents trap and carry it hundreds of kilometres into the Atlantic, with knock-on effects for marine life, fisheries, and climate patterns. Wildlife Monitoring: The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, alongside plans for long-term acoustic monitoring to strengthen habitat protection. Biodiversity & Fisheries Safety: Researchers explore how plastic bottles could be attached to fishing nets to make them easier for dolphins to detect, aiming to cut bycatch where pingers are too costly. Nature-Based Climate Action: Africa’s leaders and experts urged stronger protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, mangroves, and soils as practical climate resilience and jobs strategy. Local Conservation Win: In the Republic of Congo, manatee confirmation adds fresh momentum for protecting reserve waterways and biodiversity. Weather Risk (Context): Forecast thunderstorms around Mexico City are affecting World Cup scheduling, a reminder of how extreme weather can disrupt outdoor activity and planning.

Wildlife Monitoring in Congo: The Jane Goodall Institute says new research has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, backed by a January mission that trained local technicians and set up long-term acoustic monitoring. Nature-Based Climate Action: A University of Ghana lecture on “Africa at a Crossroads” urged governments and partners to protect and restore ecosystems for climate resilience, jobs, and justice, while Samuel Abu Jinapor called for stronger environmental laws and innovative financing to scale nature-based solutions. Rainforest Funding Pressure: A new global rainforest fund launched by Brazil at COP30, the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, faces a tough target—needs at least $10B by end-2026, with UK pledge delays raising risk to disbursements. Plastic-to-Protection Idea: Researchers propose turning washed-up plastic bottles into warning devices on fishing nets to help dolphins avoid bycatch. Local Environment Finance Trend: Optasia’s shift toward merchant lending highlights growing pressure to unlock productive credit—relevant to how businesses can invest in greener, more resilient livelihoods.

Wildlife in the Congo Basin: New listening and field work has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, with plans for long-term acoustic monitoring and local technician training. Nature-based climate action: Experts and African leaders are pushing for stronger, better-financed nature-based solutions—linking forests, wetlands and healthy soils to climate resilience, jobs, and equity, and calling for innovative climate financing and stronger environmental laws. Rainforest funding pressure: A new global rainforest protection fund faces a tough target as the UK stalls on expected pledges, threatening disbursements tied to Norway’s conditions. Plastic for ocean safety: Researchers propose turning discarded plastic bottles into warning devices on fishing nets to reduce dolphin and whale bycatch. Energy and industry (regional): Dangote Petroleum Refinery talks with Congo’s SNPC on expanding refined fuel supply and energy cooperation, framed as sustainable industrial development.

Wildlife in Congo Basin: New research confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve waterways, with local technicians trained for a long-term acoustic monitoring program—good news for biodiversity and habitat protection. Climate finance & nature-based solutions: A push across Africa argues that protecting forests, wetlands, mangroves and soils can drive climate resilience and jobs, but financing must move beyond traditional sources; calls include innovative mechanisms and stronger laws to unlock nature-based solutions. Environmental governance: The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition is launching 20-country case studies to assess how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice—aimed at strengthening environmental rights and justice. Energy & industry (regional): Dangote Petroleum Refinery talks with Congo’s SNPC on a strategic partnership to expand access to refined products and boost energy security. Weather & risk: FIFA kept Mexico–England kickoff despite flooding concerns in Mexico City, highlighting how extreme weather can disrupt major events.

Wildlife in Focus: New listening-device work has confirmed African manatees in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve in the Republic of Congo, with researchers training local technicians and setting up long-term acoustic monitoring to strengthen habitat protection. Nature-Based Climate Policy: Experts and African leaders are pushing nature-based solutions as a route to climate resilience, jobs, equity, and justice, with calls for stronger laws and innovative climate financing so countries can actually implement conservation plans. Environmental Rights Momentum: The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition is launching 20-country environmental rights case studies to map how communities can access information, participate in decisions, and seek justice when rights are violated. Forest Funding Pressure: A new global rainforest protection fund faces a funding shortfall after the UK stalled on an expected pledge, putting rainforest protection finance at risk.

Rainforest Finance Watch: A new Brazil-backed rainforest protection fund, the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, is struggling to hit its 2026 target after the UK failed to announce an expected pledge, putting rainforest protection financing at risk. Nature-Based Climate Jobs: Experts and policymakers are pushing Africa to use forests, wetlands, mangroves and healthy soils for climate resilience, jobs, and sustainable development, arguing nature protection is a development strategy, not a luxury. Stronger Environmental Laws: Samuel Abu Jinapor calls for tougher environmental legislation across Africa so nature-based solutions can attract investment and actually deliver long-term climate resilience and jobs. Environmental Rights Across Africa: The Environmental Rights in Africa coalition is launching 20-country case studies to track how communities can access environmental information, participate in decisions, and seek justice. Energy Deal Signals: Dangote Petroleum Refinery is in talks with Congo’s national oil company SNPC on a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to refined products and boosting energy cooperation.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Experts urged African governments, universities, businesses and communities to scale nature-based solutions for climate resilience, jobs and equity, warning that protecting and restoring forests, wetlands, mangroves and soils is key to cutting climate risks. Environmental Governance & Finance: Samuel Abdulai Jinapor called for stronger environmental laws and innovative climate financing so research turns into enforceable policy, investment and real livelihoods. Environmental Rights Across Africa: The Environmental Rights in Africa (ERA) coalition is launching 20-country environmental rights case studies to track how communities can access information, participate in decisions and seek justice. Congo Basin Conservation Research: Coverage highlights Africa-led research as crucial for protecting the Congo Basin and curbing climate change. Energy & Industry (Regional): Dangote Petroleum Refinery talks with Congo’s SNPC on a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to refined products and strengthening energy cooperation. Climate Resilience & Jobs (Africa): A separate expert lecture echoed the same message: nature protection is a development strategy, not just conservation.