Press release

From plants to people: Sustainable future Central Africa takes centre stage at two-day symposium at Meise Botanic Garden

Meise, 8 May 2025 - On 7 and 8 May, 2025, a two-day symposium called "From plants to people: Botanical expertise for a sustainable future in Central Africa" took place in the Green Ark of Meise Botanic Garden. At this event, the projects and collaborations of the Botanic Garden in Central Africa were put in the spotlight, with representatives of governments, NGOs, research institutions and industry also speaking. This allowed all stakeholders to share insights and exchange different perspectives with a view to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and increasing our joint impact.

Day 1: Insight into the projects of the Botanic Garden and their impact

On 7 May, the participants were given a comprehensive overview of the projects in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi) in which the Botanic Garden is involved. The projects all have a focus on sustainability, but themes range from reforestation projects to climate-resistant coffee cultivation, detecting illegal timber trade and protecting wild crop relatives. Various perspectives were discussed, especially from financiers, project partners and from the Botanic Garden itself. Between the presentations and afterwards, there was time for enriching discussions, looking for synergies and common visions of a sustainable future in the region. The focus was on exchanging expertise, networks and resources, in order to explore opportunities for possible collaborations.

Partner organisations such as the Virunga Foundation, ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature), INERA (Institut National pour l'Etude et la Recherche Agronomiques) and CIFOR-ICRAF shared their activities, experiences and visions for the future. Funders of the projects also shared their vision of the collaborations and sustainability in the region. An important common thread was the Congolese government's ambitious "Green Corridor Kivu-Kinshasa" initiative, of which ICCN is a pioneer and which aims to protect nature, encourage sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic growth. A cooperation agreement with the ICCN was also signed, which ratifies the existing cooperation and provides a framework for a continuation of our joint efforts. Steven Dessein, CEO of Meise Botanic Garden and the Director General of the ICCN, Yves Milan Ngangay, Director General of the ICCN, were both present to sign the agreement. "The signing of the cooperation agreement with ICCN underlines our shared commitment and reaffirms our confidence in the development of a long-term partnership that will have a significant impact", said Steven Dessein, General Administrator of the Meise Botanic Garden.

Day 2: Focus on Coffee Research

The second day offered an in-depth look at the research into Robusta coffee, in which the Botanic Garden plays an international pioneering role. This species has its origin in the Congolese rainforest, which means that there is great genetic diversity to be found in the wild and in local collections. Robusta is seen as an important alternative to the dominant Arabica coffee, which is struggling due to climate change and is less resilient than Robusta. With several presentations, the importance of Congolese genetic material for the coffee world was highlighted, as well as ongoing research projects that contribute to sustainable agriculture and the strengthening of local capacities and value chains. We ended the day with panel discussions to brainstorm together on how to strengthen the Robusta value chain in DR Congo.

Of course, no coffee could be missing on this day and the participants could enjoy a guided tasting session according to so-called "cupping" protocols, led by our partner CoffeeLab Independent. In this way, the research could literally be tasted.