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The protection of forests is a crucial lever for sustainable development, climate regulation, as well as the prevention of respiratory diseases and stress. These are the main messages from the scientific conference held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Lake Campus of the University of Goma.

Initiated by the faculty delegation of the School of Public Health, in collaboration with the Department of Nature Conservation, this activity was part of the celebration of International Day of Forests, commemorated on March 21 each year.

Under the theme: “maintaining climate balance through tree planting is everyone’s business,” with the sub-theme “the involvement of local communities in maintaining climate balance through tree planting in the city of Goma,” this initiative is set against a global context marked by the acceleration of climate change and the degradation of forest ecosystems.

This scientific meeting aimed to raise awareness among students, researchers, and environmental actors about the importance of forest ecosystems in improving human health, climate stability, and promoting sustainable development. It also aimed to encourage the involvement of local communities in reforestation actions, in line with international efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15 related to life on land.

The conference saw active participation from students, teachers, and various stakeholders engaged in environmental protection. The atmosphere, marked by the slogan “Let’s plant a tree,” reflected a collective commitment to preserving natural resources.

During this activity, Ashuza Murhula, a student in the Environment and Sustainable Development department, emphasized the crucial role of youth in forest protection through advocacy actions and participation in ecological initiatives. He encouraged young people to get more involved, despite constraints related to a lack of financial resources.

For his part, Isaac Mastaki, representative of the organization Most Inclusive Connect, highlighted the link between forest protection and peacebuilding. He stressed the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, arguing that forest degradation increases the vulnerability of populations and can exacerbate conflicts.

Jean Lebon Nzengera, from the School of Public Health, noted that forest preservation contributes to reducing respiratory diseases and improving mental health. He also highlighted the positive impact of trees on economic productivity, asserting that every tree planted in urban areas constitutes “a small public pharmacy” for the community.

Following the discussions, a symbolic act was carried out at the end of the conference. Participants, accompanied by academic authorities, planted a tree on the site of the Lake University Campus. This meaningful gesture illustrates the concrete commitment of the university community to environmental protection and maintaining climate balance.

As a reminder, the International Day of Forests was proclaimed in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly. It is celebrated every March 21 to raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees for human life and the balance of the planet. The theme chosen for this year, “Forests and economies,” highlights the role of forests in job creation, supporting the livelihoods of communities, protecting natural resources, and promoting inclusive sustainable development.