Update: 07/02/2026

£1000 to hold - Conference–Debate Programme on the Environment and Sustainable Development in Goma – 2026

1. Context and Rationale

The city of Goma is facing major environmental challenges, exacerbated by insecurity, population pressure, population displacement, and the gradual degradation of natural resources. Plastic pollution, deforestation, food insecurity, and natural hazards further weaken urban and peri-urban communities.

Student youth, despite being a source of innovative solutions, remain insufficiently involved in local environmental responses.

Goma is experiencing rapid environmental degradation, worsened by demographic pressure, population displacement, and the lack of sustainable local initiatives involving young people.

Hence the need to train and mobilise students so they can become key actors in providing sustainable environmental solutions within their communities.

This project aims to create a permanent framework for exchange, training, and mobilisation of students and young leaders so that they become central actors in Goma’s environmental and socio-economic resilience.

2. General Objective

Mobilise and strengthen the capacities of students and young leaders in Goma so that they actively participate in environmental protection and local sustainable development.

3. Specific Objectives

Raise students’ awareness of local environmental challenges;

Promote ecological solutions adapted to the local context;

Encourage green entrepreneurship among young people;

Strengthen community-based environmental initiatives.

4. Expected Results

More than 1,000 students sensitised in 2026;

Creation of at least 10 student-led ecological initiatives;

Active involvement of young people in community sanitation;

Establishment of a network of student environmental ambassadors.

5. Planned Activities

Organisation of 5 major university conference–debates;

Practical workshops on recycling and green entrepreneurship;

Community sanitation campaigns;

Tree planting and reforestation actions;

Creation of university environmental clubs.

6. Beneficiaries

University students in Goma;

Local youth organisations;

Peripheral urban communities;

Young green entrepreneurs.

Thank you once again for standing with Restore Kivu and the communities of Idjwi and Goma