Ongoing Initiatives Driving Faith-Based Environmental Action

REBAC’s work is rooted in the belief that ecological justice is inseparable from human dignity. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and the Encyclical Laudato Si, our ongoing initiatives unite faith leaders, communities, and civil society across the Congo Basin to protect one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

Episcopal Conference Engagement

We work hand-in-hand with regional and national Episcopal Conferences to embed ecological responsibility into Church structures and pastoral priorities. Through dialogue, joint planning, and strategic advocacy, we ensure that the voice of the Church remains a powerful force for environmental stewardship and climate justice.

• Strengthening episcopal ownership of REBAC’s mission
• Facilitating integration into SECAM’s long-term action plans
• Supporting diocesan and national-level coordination

Popularizing Laudato Si

REBAC is committed to translating the message of Laudato Si into lived reality across the Congo Basin. We organize workshops, produce contextualized materials, and support grassroots campaigns that make Pope Francis’ call to “care for our common home” accessible and actionable.

• Community-based readings and reflections
• Faith leader training on ecological spirituality
• Visual and audio content adapted for local audiences

Capacity Building for REBAC Members

We invest in the growth and resilience of our network through targeted training, peer learning, and technical support. From climate science to advocacy strategy, REBAC equips its members with the tools to lead, mobilize, and influence change.

• Regional workshops and exchange visits
• Technical support for diocesan and national committees
• Leadership development for youth and women in conservation

Advocacy on Key Environmental Issues

REBAC amplifies the voices of Congo Basin communities in national and international policy spaces. We engage governments, interfaith coalitions, and global institutions to push for policies that protect forests, uphold indigenous rights, and promote sustainable development.

• Policy briefs and position papers
• Participation in COP and global climate forums
• Strategic partnerships with REPAM and other networks

Operational Support for the Executive Secretariat

Behind every campaign and consultation is a dedicated team ensuring REBAC’s daily operations run smoothly. The Executive Secretariat coordinates activities, manages communications, and drives collaboration across countries and committees.

• Project design and implementation
• Coordination of meetings and reporting
• Resource mobilization and donor engagement

Together, these initiatives form the backbone of REBAC’s mission: to unite faith, science, and community action in defense of the Congo Basin. Every step we take is a testament to the power of collective leadership rooted in spiritual conviction and ecological responsibility.

REBAC Junior: Youth-Led Innovation for Forest Rehabilitation

Across the Congo Basin, young people are stepping up as guardians of creation. REBAC Junior—a dynamic youth wing of the Ecclesial Network—is leading the charge with practical, community-driven solutions to environmental degradation. One of their most impactful initiatives? Designing and distributing energy-saving stoves that reduce deforestation and restore ecological balance.

Why Energy-Saving Stoves Matter

Traditional cooking methods rely heavily on firewood and charcoal, accelerating forest loss and exposing families to harmful smoke. REBAC Junior’s stoves are built to:

• Use up to 60% less wood than conventional models
• Emit lower levels of indoor air pollution
• Preserve surrounding forests by reducing daily wood harvesting
• Empower households with cost-effective, climate-friendly technology

Locally Designed, Community Owned

These stoves aren’t imported—they’re locally designed, built, and tested by REBAC Junior members in collaboration with artisans and eco-engineers. Each stove reflects the realities of Congo Basin communities: durable, affordable, and adapted to local cooking styles.

A Pathway to Forest Healing

Every stove distributed is a step toward forest rehabilitation. By reducing pressure on tree cover, REBAC Junior is helping restore biodiversity, protect watersheds, and honor the sacred relationship between people and nature.

Beyond Technology: Building Environmental Consciousness

The stove initiative is also a platform for education. REBAC Junior hosts workshops in parishes, schools, and youth centers to spark conversations about climate change, ecological spirituality, and sustainable living