The objective of this study is to explore existing data on forests in the DRC that could enable the mapping and assessment of environmental services, that is to say, the benefits of the use of forests, both indirect (soil, water) and direct (non-timber forest products, tourism, high-value timber). Based on these findings, the study suggests ways forward for the DRC to carry out an assessment of the multiple benefits of forests.

Overall conclusions

Economic valuation of environmental services is a relatively young field. It was very difficult to find studies with robust methodologies, especially in a country like DRC where data is so rare. In addition, for certain services, it is not only economic analyzes that are lacking; it also lacks a clear scientific evidence showing the link between forest cover and a given service, which is crucial in the economic argument for the multiple benefits of REDD +.

Indirect benefits are difficult to map and evaluate and the only studies that have attempted to do at the national level are not strong or accurate enough to support the planning of land use. The direct benefits are much easier to quantify and evaluate (but not necessarily to map). In this case, the main difficulty is to determine the maximum rates of sustainable extraction (MSY)…

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