Written question asked by Lord Eden of Winton (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Amos (Labour) on Monday, 13 February 2006.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Question: What discussions they are having with the World Bank with a view to preserving the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and to promoting the interests of the indigenous forest people there.

Answer: The Government have been in regular contact with the World Bank about its engagement in the forestry sector of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We believe that the World Bank’s involvement is important in order to reduce the risk of unchecked exploitation of the DRC’s forests. In our discussions with the World Bank, we will continue to push for a balanced approach to the development of the DRC forestry sector, one which respects the rights of the DRC’s poorest citizens—including indigenous people. A meeting between the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region and Genocide Prevention and World Bank staff involved with forestry in the DRC is planned for mid-February.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 678 c132WA; 3809
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Forestry Ethnic groups Nature conservation Rainforests World Bank Democratic Republic of the Congo
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk