Macron to snub Republic of the Congo forest summit
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During his visit to Brazzaville on March 3, French President Emmanuel Macron received an invitation from Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso to attend the summit of the world’s three great rainforest basins Although Macron will not be present, France will be represented at the event. Originally scheduled for June, the conference is now likely to take place in November, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva already confirmed to attend.
Macron’s absence risks offending the Congolese authorities, who were already displeased with the short duration of his March visit – barely five hours – and the title chosen for the occasion, that of a “point of memorial,” which is often used in the Franco-Congolese relationship. During his visit, Macron announced the creation of a memorial to honor the memory of African soldiers who served with Free France during World War II. However, a visit to historical sites in the capital was not included in his schedule.
The great rainforests
The world’s three great rainforests are the Amazon rainforest, the Congo Basin rainforest, and the rainforests of Borneo and the Mekong River basin. These rainforests are critical components of the earth’s ecosystem, providing vital habitats for countless species of plants and animals and helping to regulate the planet’s climate by storing massive amounts of carbon dioxide. They are also important sources of resources for local communities and play a significant role in global carbon cycles. The summit is due to discuss pressing issues, such as deforestation, climate change, and the responsibility of custodianship that countries have to these great forests.
