Republic of Congo holds first two national BMRC stakeholder workshops

The Republic of Congo took an important step in building national understanding of the Broader Market Recognition Coalition, hosting stakeholder workshops in Brazzaville and Ouesso in July 2025.

The workshops brought together representatives from government, private sector, civil society and indigenous and local community groups, to share information on BMRC and discuss what it could mean for the country.

Photo at the workshop, Ouesso

Participants explored BMRC’s purpose, how the coalition works, and how the Republic of Congo could shape its own national roadmap. The sessions also included practical discussions on priorities, questions and next steps. Armel TSIBA NGOLO, Acting BMRC Government Representative for Republic of Congo said, “BMRC brings together all countries and stakeholders who want to improve their forest governance at national level. Its mission is to encourage the development and implementation of robust national forest systems.”

Several themes came through clearly. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of stronger national coordination, wider awareness-raising, political engagement, and practical support for meaningful participation.

These early workshops are an essential step in grounding BMRC in national reality and ensuring the process is shaped by the people and organisations who will help take it forward.