The climate issue is at the heart of global concerns today, and its relationship with peace and security is particularly evident in Africa, where young people are often the most affected by the impacts of climate change. In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this reality is all the more stark, with environmental challenges exacerbated by recurring conflicts, the degradation of natural resources and increasingly precarious living conditions for many communities.
JAMAA Grands Lacs, an organization working to promote peace, security and sustainable development in the region, has taken the initiative to respond to these challenges, with a particular focus on young girls. Through its “Peace and Environment / Amani na Mazingira” program, the organization implements concrete actions to involve young people, particularly girls, in the fight against the effects of climate change, while strengthening their role in peacebuilding.
The “Amani na Mazingira” program: a transformative initiative for young girls
Launched against a backdrop of environmental crises and persistent security tensions, JAMAA Grands Lacs' “Amani na Mazingira” (Peace and Environment) program aims to raise awareness and educate young people, particularly girls, about the close links between the environment and peace. The aim is to give this segment of the population, often marginalized in discussions on climate and security, the tools they need to become agents of change in their communities.
The program is based on several key lines of action:
1. Raising awareness is at the heart of this program. Through workshops, training and awareness campaigns, JAMAA Grands Lacs works to provide young girls with essential information on the impacts of climate change and the concrete actions they can take to mitigate these effects. From tree planting to sustainable natural resource management, girls learn simple but effective solutions to protect their environment and their communities.
2. The program also places particular emphasis on empowering young girls through leadership and conflict resolution training. By encouraging them to play an active role in managing natural resources and promoting sustainable peace, JAMAA Grands Lacs gives girls the opportunity to position themselves as agents of peace in their communities. The girls trained become influential players in reconciliation and the construction of lasting peace.
3. Because of their heightened vulnerability to the effects of climate change, girls play a crucial role in community resilience. Through local initiatives such as the creation of community gardens or the management of environmental projects, they play an active role in rebuilding their environment and stabilizing society. These projects not only help to strengthen food security, but also promote the social cohesion that is essential to peace.
4. The success of this program relies on strong collaboration with community leaders, local authorities and other civil society organizations. By working together, JAMAA Grands Lacs and its partners are able to mobilize a large part of the population, particularly young girls, around the issue of climate change and peace. These partnerships help strengthen local capacities and ensure the sustainability of initiatives.
Impact of the “Amani na Mazingira” program in eastern DRC
The impact of this program in eastern DRC is considerable. On the one hand, it has enabled a large number of young girls to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and environmental degradation. It has also opened up opportunities for dialogue on peace and security, particularly in a context of protracted conflict.
The girls involved in these initiatives become leaders capable of negotiating solutions to reduce community tensions, promote sustainable agricultural practices and combat environmentally-related violence. By integrating them into practical projects, the organization enables them not only to make their voices heard, but also to play an essential role in transforming their environment.
A model of commitment to youth and peace
JAMAA Grands Lacs' “Peace and Environment / Amani na Mazingira” program is a relevant response to current challenges in the Great Lakes region. By directly involving young girls, this initiative contributes not only to their empowerment, but also to building sustainable peace through the collective management of the environment.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where environmental and security crises are interconnected, JAMAA Grands Lacs is paving the way for a new generation of young leaders committed to peace, security and environmental preservation. Their future is intimately linked to the health of the planet, and thanks to this innovative program, young girls are taking an active part in building a safer, greener and more peaceful future.