On April 12, 2026, the Great Hall of the Holy Trinity Parish in Buholo vibrated with the energy of unprecedented civic engagement. Organized by the « Kankalists of the PSTB, » a conference-debate brought together local youth and community members to tackle a burning issue: « The Ecosystem: Current Stakes and Challenges. »
The opening remarks by Father Arsène Somda set a sobering tone. From the COVID-19 pandemic to the wars tearing through our vital spaces, humanity is navigating a period of major turbulence. Climate change is no longer a distant concept but a local reality in Bukavu, evidenced by rising water levels, rampant pollution, and soil erosion. Faced with these facts, a haunting question hung over the assembly: « What kind of world will we leave to our children? » asked the moderator, reminding everyone that humanity is now « living on credit. »
The presentation brilliantly deconstructed the complexity of ecosystems, ranging from the tropical forests of the Congo Basin to the unique biotope of Lake Kivu. Participants rediscovered the vital interdependence between the biocenosis (living organisms) and the biotope (the physical environment).
The audience was particularly captivated by a compelling visual illustration from Ms. DesAnges Kasole. Using a sensitive and creative approach, she put a human face on environmental fragility, making the mechanisms of nature’s resilience and adaptability tangible. Her intervention sparked a dynamic exchange, where young participants expressed a fierce desire to move from theory to practice.
Building on this momentum, Rodrigue Mayola introduced an essential legal and practical dimension. While outlining the principles of environmental law, he did more than just cite statutes; he contextualized each law against current local challenges: anarchic urbanization, waste management in Bukavu, and species protection. His message was unequivocal: the law is a tool for ecological justice.
The conference went beyond mere grievances, exploring concrete pathways for change.
- Green Technologies : Utilizing AI and satellite surveillance to predict and mitigate natural disasters.
- Circular Economy : Transforming waste into resources through recycling and biogas production.
- The V.J.A. Method : A call to View the crisis clearly, Judge our responsibilities, and Act through local reforestation and energy transition initiatives.
In conclusion, this gathering organized by the Kankalists served as a powerful reminder that « true progress » is that which guarantees the future of coming generations. As emphasized in the encyclical Laudato Si’, everything is interconnected. The time for observation has passed; it is now time to mobilize material, financial, and—above all—moral resources to protect our shared heritage.
- Egide Kitumaini
About The Author
