Between May and July 2025, the Etate Research Station, at the heart of Salonga National Park, hosted an extraordinary expedition: “Carbone ya Salonga.” Its mission? To uncover the vital role of Congolese forests in the global fight against climate change.

For two months, 15 international experts from the University of Kisangani (UNIKIS) and the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) worked hand in hand with local assistants and park rangers. Under the coordination of Professors Jean-Remy Makana and Wannes Hubau, the team explored mature and swamp forests to gather unprecedented data.

Among the key achievements: 13 permanent one-hectare plots were established. These open-air laboratories allow every tree to be measured, tagged, and mapped. They now form part of the prestigious AfriTRON network, which monitors African tropical forests over the long term.

But that’s not all: more than 250 leaf samples and 600 soil samples were collected for analysis in Kisangani. These data will shed light on how Congo Basin forests store carbon, withstand global warming, and contribute to climate resilience.

This research is indispensable: it informs conservation strategies, strengthens local capacities, and underscores that Salonga is not just a national park—it is a crucial ally in the global battle against climate change.

Thanks to the dedication of this passionate team, Salonga continues to reveal its secrets.