ACCESS4ALL Group

DRC strategically used its vast natural resources, particularly its carbon-rich rainforests and peat lands, to pressure wealthier nations for more climate finance ahead of COP27. By announcing a 2022 oil and gas auction across sensitive ecosystems, the government highlighted the risks of deforestation and emissions if funding pledges weren't met. This approach amplified DRC's role in REDD+ initiatives while demanding accountability on international commitments.Oil and Gas Auction the July 2022 auction covered over 800,000 square kilometers, including peat lands and gorilla habitats, drawing global criticism but serving as leverage for binding financial pledges from the Global North. DRC positioned it not primarily for extraction, but to spotlight unmet needs in climate talks, tying it to COP27's loss and damage discussions. Contracts were later awarded in 2023 amid ongoing environmental concerns.REDD+ Initiatives DRC engaged in REDD+ since 2009 to monetize forest conservation via carbon credits, securing investments like $200 million from CAFI (2015-2020) and a $500 million pledge at COP26. These efforts framed the country as a "climate solutions provider," emphasizing its forests' role in global carbon sequestration. Ahead of COP27, REDD+ underscored demands for scaled-up finance to prevent deforestation.Climate Finance Leverage DRC criticized wealthy nations for failing prior pledges, using its resources—half of Africa's forests, massive peat lands storing 30 gigatons of carbon, and critical minerals—as bargaining chips. The auction and "New Climate Economy" vision pushed for results-based payments under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This strategy sought to fund resilience without sacrificing development.