The Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important source of income for local communities through forest-based livelihoods. A mixed-method approach combining surveys with qualitative interviews to assess economic metrics and community perceptions of certification's influence on local economies. Certified forest management areas reported higher average annual income growth rates (12%) compared to uncertificated regions, indicating a significant positive effect on youth livelihoods through increased access to formal markets. Certification had a demonstrably positive impact on the economic diversification of local communities in Virunga National Park by enhancing their market access and profitability. Local authorities should prioritise certification for further expansion, alongside training programmes to ensure sustainable implementation and community benefits. Forest Certification, Youth Livelihoods, Democratic Republic of Congo, Economic Diversification
Ngoye et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: