Science Panel for the Congo Basin

The Science Panel for the Congo Basin (SPCB) is the first-of-its-kind independent scientific panel dedicated to synthesizing existing knowledge of the status of, and threats to, the Congo Basin and its ecosystems. As the world’s second-largest tropical forest, the Congo Basin is providing key services at local, regional, and global scales that are critical for limiting the impacts of climate change, and yet remains largely under-researched and chronically underinvested.

The SPCB was established to mobilize scientists across the region to collectively address the challenges facing the Congo Basin, responding to calls from environment ministers and scientists for renewed efforts, increased investment in science, and stronger integration of scientific evidence into policymaking to advance sustainable development across Congo Basin countries. Led by and composed primarily of leading scientists from the region, the SPCB completed and published its comprehensive scientific assessment of the Congo Basin in 2026. The assessment synthesizes available scientific knowledge, including Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and the knowledge of local and autochthonous communities. Targeted at policymakers, the assessment provides an evidence base to inform and accelerate local and regional action to strengthen nature conservation and advance sustainable development. It also identifies acute and potential tipping points, highlights critical areas of concern, and outlines key knowledge gaps and priorities for future scientific research.