In the DRC, the most common climate related hazards include intense rainfall, river flooding, landslides, droughts in some regions, and heat stress. Climate change has clearly increased the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, leading to more destructive floods and landslides, especially in urban and mountainous areas.
In contrast, the Philippines frequently experiences typhoons, storm surges, and coastal flooding, which are intensified by climate change. While the hazards differ, both countries are experiencing more frequent and severe climate extremes due to global warming.
In the DRC, the areas most affected are:
• River basins, particularly along the Congo River and its tributaries
• Urban centers like Kinshasa, Goma, and Bukavu, where poor drainage and unplanned settlements worsen flooding
• Eastern mountainous regions, where heavy rains trigger deadly landslides
In the Philippines, the most affected areas are low lying coastal zones exposed to rising sea levels and stronger storms. The key similarity is that in both countries, geographically vulnerable areas face the highest risks.
In both the DRC and the Philippines, poor and marginalized communities are the most affected. In the DRC, low income households often live in flood-prone zones, informal settlements, or unstable hillsides due to lack of affordable housing. These communities have limited access to early warning systems, insurance, or resilient infrastructure, making recovery slow and difficult.
Similarly, in the Philippines, coastal fishing communities depend directly on natural ecosystems for their livelihoods, making them highly vulnerable when mangroves are destroyed and storms intensify.
A key similarity between the two contexts is the use of community led, nature based solutions.
• In the Philippines, communities restore mangrove forests to protect coastlines, reduce wave energy, and support fisheries.
• In the DRC, communities engage in tree planting, reforestation on hillsides, riverbank protection, waste management, and informal drainage systems to reduce flooding and erosion.
However, a major difference is that ecosystem based adaptation in the DRC is often less structured and less supported, even though the country has vast forests, wetlands, and peatlands with strong climate protection potential.
In both countries, local NGOs, community based organizations, and international partners play a crucial role. In the DRC, civil society organizations and youth groups lead environmental awareness, reforestation, and climate education initiatives, often with limited funding. Government support exists but is frequently reactive, focusing on emergency response rather than long term prevention.
The Philippines case shows stronger integration of community action with institutional and external support, enabling mangrove restoration projects to be more sustainable and impactful.