GLA-ToC-Strengthening the inclusive and sustainable forest g The GLA program in DRC focuses on two landscapes: the Landscape Center of Ituri, Mongala and Tshopo and the Landscape East Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega in North Kivu and South Kivu. In general the two landscapes are characterized by poverty and decay of the economic fabric of the population with their total dependence on natural resources. These natural resources of the DRC are abundant but the challenges to sustain them are also enormous. The two landscapes face many threats from illegal mining, poaching, agricultural expansion, and deforestation. The levels of deforestation and degradation of forests are highly variable depending on the areas and population density. Despite this context, securing the livelihoods of local communities represents an opportunity to protect the forest ecosystems of both Landscapes Center and East. Their protection for present and future generation will contribute to the fight against poverty, for food security and the preservation of water sources and biodiversity. 

The Long-term goal of the program in the two landscapes is to restore, protect and manage sustainably and inclusively natural resources, ensuring the livelihoods of local and indigenous communities and the stability of protected areas. The pathways of change envisaged to trigger desired change are: The sustainable use of natural resources is assured and the ecosystems are restored. In other words benefits of forested landscapes contribute to the sustainable development of local populations, stakeholders are involved in decisions making process and new alternatives are developed for the protection of our public goods The social and environmental justice is restored. Stakeholders adopt best practices in their daily lives, livelihoods are improved and the living conditions of the local population and indigenous populations have increased. The landscapes are peaceful. This would be possible if the social peace and stability in the two landscapes is secured; that local communities and indigenous populations are acting freely, responsibly and are reconciled improving the social cohesion. These three pathways of change will address in a fundamental way the overall objective of the GLA program, which is the inclusive and sustainable governance of forested landscapes. Particular attention will be given to the capacity building of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and local communities to participate effectively in the process of management and protection of their environmental resources for their own benefit and the benefit of the global community.