The Congo Basin Institute (CBI) Club, recently revitalized by a dedicated group of UCLA students, is working alongside the Congo Basin Institute in Africa to support local communities in their efforts to conserve the tropical forests of the Congo Basin. These forests are among the most biodiverse regions on the planet and play a critical role in sequestering carbon, making their protection vital in the face of rapid global climate change. The club’s mission is to prevent deforestation and mitigate the effects of expanding agriculture, which threaten both the environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on the forest.


Right now, the CBI Club is urgently raising funds to provide scholarships and school supplies for students in the Congo, empowering the next generation of conservation leaders. The fundraiser will also support local research projects, which are carried out in collaboration with American researchers, by covering fieldwork expenses and the costs of shipping essential materials. These efforts are crucial as the region faces drastic changes in biodiversity and a diminishing capacity to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. By supporting this fundraiser, donors will help ensure that local communities have the resources they need to protect their forests and preserve the rich biodiversity of the Congo Basin for future generations.


Every contribution will directly impact education and research, strengthening the fight against climate change and supporting sustainable development in one of the world’s most important ecosystems.