In the Congo Basin, independent forest monitoring carried out by civil society organizations (CSOs) and investigative journalists shares common objectives: combating illegal logging and establishing sustainable forest management and governance. Unfortunately, even though these two groups generally rely on similar open-source digital data platforms to document their analyses and findings, they operate in isolation. There have been almost no opportunities to share experiences regarding the methodological approaches used or the joint dissemination of results from field missions and investigations. This results in a lack of synergy in the work undertaken.

Establishing formal or informal collaboration between CSOs active in the field of independent forest monitoring and investigative journalists can yield significant results in the fight against illegal logging. This can include key evidence that decision-makers, particularly law enforcement agencies, can readily rely on in their legal proceedings. A more collaborative approach will enhance the effectiveness and credibility of investigative journalism on illegal logging and the work of CSOs conducting independent forest monitoring.

Two workshops were held on June 24–25, 2025, in Douala, Cameroon, and on September 23–24, 2025, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the use of digital platforms for investigating illegal activities in the forestry sector. These workshops helped identify areas of mutual interest and led to the consensus adoption of a shared vision and areas for collaboration.

Key Findings:

The workshops saw the adoption of a shared vision for collaboration between CSOs and investigative journalists:

  • To deepen and strengthen collaboration between CSOs active in independent forest monitoring and investigative journalists, to further professionalize their work, and to amplify information related to the fight against illegal logging in order to significantly impact the sustainable management of forests in the Congo Basin.
  • To revitalize collaboration between CSOs and investigative journalists through data and information sharing, the implementation of joint activities, and the facilitation of platforms for consultation and collaboration, to amplify and strengthen the fight against illegal logging and have a positive and significant impact on the sustainable management of forests in the Congo Basin.