To understand the interactions between globalization and natural resource governance in the Congo Basin, GLOGORENA uses five strategic research axes. These thematic axes allow us to explore the socio-political, cultural and economic dimensions of this governance, while responding to the local and global challenges that mark this region. Through these axes, our educational activities and field investigations in Cameroon and DRC aim to produce rigorous and actionable work. They support GLOGORENA's overall objective of promoting sustainable and equitable management of natural resources, integrating the perspectives of local actors and the requirements of international frameworks.
The axis « Democracy, participation and voice of the voiceless » GLOGORENA explores the mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion in natural resource governance processes, with particular emphasis on local communities and marginalized groups. This axis aims to understand how political and social dynamics influence the ability of these actors to participate in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and environment.
Tropical forests in the Congo Basin are at the heart of interactional logics that involve a plurality of actors: governments, businesses, international organizations and local communities. While forest ecosystems are an essential link in the sustainable management of forest ecosystems, they are often marginalized from decision-making processes. Their voice remains largely inaudible in the face of pressure from the economic interests of multinationals and sometimes centralized political frameworks.
This research focus raises questions about existing mechanisms that allow or prevent the expression of these voices in the governance of natural resources. These include:
The axis « Ecology, environment and public policy » GLOGORENA explores the relationship between environmental dynamics and institutional frameworks that guide natural resource management in the Congo Basin. This focuses on how public policies address environmental issues, taking into account both conservation requirements, the socio-economic needs of local communities and global economic pressures.
The Congo Basin, rich in biodiversity and natural resources, is a key region in regulating climate cycles and preserving global biodiversity. However, there are growing challenges related to deforestation, ecosystem degradation and the effects of climate change. These challenges require appropriate policy responses that integrate both local priorities and global sustainability requirements. Researchers in this area mobilize empirical data from field missions, public policy analyses and interviews with local and international decision makers. Particular attention is paid to how international policies, such as REDD+ (Reduction of Emissions from Forest Deforestation and Degradation), are implemented and adapted to local contexts.
The axis « Power relations in forest governance in the Congo Basin » examines the dynamics of influence between the various actors involved in forest resource management. This focus focuses on how power relations structure, negotiate and evolve in a context of major economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges.
The Congo Basin, the second largest forest massif in the world, is a strategic region where local, national and international interests converge. States, local communities, multinational corporations, NGOs and emerging economic powers, such as China, interact in a often conflicting environment where priorities differ: biodiversity conservation, economic exploitation of forests, and the rights of indigenous peoples.
The axis « Data on trade in natural resources and economic policies » The GLOGORENA project examines economic dynamics related to the exploitation of natural resources in the Congo Basin. He is interested in trade flows, economic policies that govern them, and their impact on local actors, ecosystems, and international relations.
Trade, often dominated by global economic powers, redefines the political and economic priorities of the countries concerned. This focus aims to produce empirically based analyses to inform debates on sustainability and economic justice in the region.
The axis « Epistemology and knowledge methodologies on forest governance in Africa » interest in the theoretical and practical foundations underlying the production of knowledge on natural resource governance. This focuses on the approaches used to analyse governance dynamics in African forests.
Forest governance is a topic that involves researchers from a variety of social sciences: political science, anthropology, economics and ecology. However, the epistemological methodologies and frameworks used to study these issues often reflect dominant perspectives, sometimes remote from local realities. This axis aims to reconcile local and global knowledge to produce analyses that are both inclusive and relevant to African contexts.
