WRI’s involvement in the conversion process is in the context of its Forest Landscapes Objective in Central Africa, which aims to increase the amount of forest area under more sustainable management in the Congo Basin. Specifically WRI is participating in this process:

• As a partner with Agreco, in which WRI has a contract with specific terms of reference that includes providing technical assistance and acting as an independent observer; and
  
  
• As an independent research institution committed to encouraging transparency, accountability and good forest governance in Central Africa. WRI is actively seeking additional ways to support the management of DRC forests in a manner consistent with protecting community and indigenous rights, good environmental stewardship and ensuring equitable distribution of environmental services benefits.