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 provides 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 in the region to jointly address these challenges, inspired by the call of environment ministers and scientists across the region for renewed efforts, increased scientific investment, and involvement of science in policy making for the sustainable development of Congo Basin countries. Led by and comprised primarily of leading scientists from the region, the SPCB undertook a comprehensive synthesis of the available scientific knowledge on the Congo Basin, including Indigenous peoples and autochthonous knowledge, and producesd a high-quality independent assessment report, which Executive Summary was presented at COP30.

The assessment report, formally launched at the AfDB Annual Meeting 2026, is directed at policymakers to help inform and accelerate local and regional solutions to strengthen nature conservation and advance sustainable development, while also highlighting acute and potential tipping points, as well as critical areas and gaps requiring further scientific research.