Imagine and Build the Congo of Tomorrow
Presentation ICCOD-NGO
ICCOD NGO
Introduction
ICCOD-NGO is an indigenous Pygmy organization that works for the well-being of communities and the preservation of the environment.
We are apolitical, non-denominational, independent and non-profit, acting with absolute respect for all, without exclusion or discrimination.
Founded in Nyabibwe Centre, Mbinga-Nord Group, Kalehe Territory, South Kivu Province in DR Congo, ICCOD-ONG brings together young people, women and indigenous adults, Pygmies and non-Pygmies, who share the same vision: to promote the well-being of communities and preserving the environment for sustainable development.
For several years, ICCOD-ONG has been recognized for its commitment in the field of the environment, in particular in adaptation to climate change, the protection of endangered species, the preservation of nature, the promotion of ecological agriculture, environmental education, as well as community and sustainable development.
Our story begins well before our official creation in 2015. Young people, women, visionaries convinced of the importance of uniting efforts for common objectives are committed to the equitable management of natural resources. Since then, we have worked in a spirit of justice and equity.
Our structure is regulated by the law on non-profit organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mission
ICCOD NGO OBJECTIVES :
- Securing the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples: We are actively working to obtain forest concession titles for these communities, in order to protect their lands and preserve their traditional way of life.
- Raise awareness about the fight against neglected tropical diseases: We consider health to be an essential element of sustainable development. We raise awareness of neglected tropical diseases in local communities and implement initiatives to prevent and treat them.
- Ensuring the conservation and rational management of biodiversity: We are determined to protect biodiversity by promoting conservation and encouraging responsible management of natural resources.
- Promote beekeeping: We support the development of beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood for local communities. We encourage the practice of beekeeping by providing necessary training and resources.
- Promote communication and climate and environmental education: We believe in the importance of raising community awareness of climate and environmental issues. We encourage communication and education in these areas to promote awareness and concrete actions.
- Encouraging urban resilience and green innovations: We support initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of urban areas in the face of environmental challenges. We also encourage the adoption of green innovations to promote sustainable development.
- Contribute to local development: We are committed to supporting local development by encouraging income-generating activities, promoting gender equality and promoting peace education and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Protecting children and traumatized people: We are putting in place measures to protect unaccompanied children, street children and veterans. We also provide support to traumatized people and work to heal trauma caused by conflict and violence.
- Supporting the Elderly: An ICCOD Priority. The elderly, often reduced to begging or vagrancy, are among the most vulnerable. ICCOD recognizes their value and aims to improve their quality of life by integrating them into income-generating activities such as the manufacturing of traditional handicrafts. Our goal is to restore their dignity, preserve their contribution to local culture and help them find an active and rewarding role in society.
- Inclusion of People with Disabilities: A Major Concern for ICCOD. People living with disabilities face overwhelming challenges. Unable to find work, they often find themselves begging, exposed to the dangers of the streets and roads. In conflict zones like eastern DR Congo, their situation is worsening with constant displacement and clashes. They are marginalized even during assistance, because the chips are often distributed to the strongest. ICCOD strives to assist this vulnerable category, but our impact is limited by the lack of support.
- Combating poverty as a tool for nature conservation: We view the fight against poverty as an essential means of preserving nature. We work to reduce poverty by promoting sustainable activities and creating economic opportunities for local communities.
- Acting on sustainable development issues through an approach based on gender and sustainable development: We adopt a holistic and inclusive approach by integrating the gender dimension into our sustainable development actions.
- Monitor legality and respect for human and land rights: We monitor legality and are committed to protecting the human rights and land rights of communities.
- Facilitate international cooperation and information sharing: We encourage cooperation between different stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, in order to share relevant information on cases of illegality, denial of community rights and policies governing natural resources. We thus promote transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.
ICCOD NGO VISION
ICCOD-ONG’s vision is to create a sustainable future in the Democratic Republic of Congo
1) Valorization of knowledge and good practices:
Our organization aims to promote the valorization and capitalization of traditional knowledge and modern good practices resilient to climate change. By combining indigenous and technological knowledge, we aim to build a socio-economically and ecologically sustainable Congo.
2) Support for forest peoples and indigenous organizations:
We are committed to supporting forest peoples and indigenous organizations to promote an alternative vision of forest management and control. This vision is based on respect for the rights of the people who know these precious ecosystems best.
3) Advocacy and capacity building:
Through concrete projects, advocacy activities and capacity building programs, we support forest people to engage directly with external actors who exert influence on their lands , their lives and their futures. Our ultimate goal is to enable local communities to live in forests, thereby ensuring sustainable livelihoods, equity and well-being for future generations.
4) Importance of indigenous peoples and customary lands:
There are approximately 1.5 billion indigenous peoples and local communities across the world, whose customary lands represent 65% of the world’s land area and are home to 80% of the world’s biodiversity. We recognize the vital importance of these peoples and their knowledge for the preservation of our planet.
5) Deforestation and protection of indigenous peoples:
Deforestation is the second largest driver of climate change, but protecting forests poses a deadly risk to indigenous peoples and local communities. ICCOD-ONG is committed to reconciling forest conservation with the protection of the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples, in order to find sustainable solutions to preserve these precious ecosystems.
Fundamental Values ICCOD-ONG
ICCOD-ONG is guided by core values such as respect, integrity, innovation and professionalism.
We are firmly committed to protecting threatened wildlife, the environment and those most vulnerable, marginalized or affected by violence.
Respect is at the heart of our approach , because we recognize the intrinsic value of each living being and the importance of preserving the ecological balance of our planet. We act with integrity, ensuring our actions are aligned with our principles and that we are accountable for our commitments to the communities we support.
Innovation is an essential pillar of our work.
We are constantly seeking new ideas, methods and approaches to solve the environmental and social challenges we face. We encourage creativity and the exploration of innovative solutions to drive positive and lasting change.
As committed professionals, we work with rigor and competence to achieve our goals.
We mobilize our expertise in various fields to implement efficient and sustainable projects. We strive to provide quality support to local communities and ensure our actions have a real and meaningful impact.
Our mission transcends borders, as we aspire to a world where wildlife is protected, the environment is preserved and vulnerable people are supported.
We stand with those affected by injustice, marginalization and violence, working tirelessly to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
The NGO ICCOD is based on strong values: We are committed to protecting threatened wildlife, the environment and the most vulnerable people, with determination and passion, we continue our work for a better world, where each individual and each ecosystem is valued and preserved.
ICCOD-ONG PARTNERS
