Bertrand Russel Tsoumou works as the coordinator of the Agroforestry and Mangrove restoration project in the Republic of Congo where he examines and analyzes the coastal zones of Kouliou and Pointe-Noire for mangrove restoration. He also works to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves in the fight against climate change.

He also has experience in project monitoring and evaluation, having conducted surveys and community needs assessments to determine how best to serve his local community. Dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment, Bertrand served as an anti-poaching coordinator where he led biodiversity protection and poaching prevention programs. Bertrand is determined to maintain and recover the biodiversity in the Republic of Congo and defend it against the harmful effects of climate change.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Project of Restoration and Conservation of 2 Hectares of Mangroves in the Coastal Areas of Pointe-Noire

The project contributed to the sustainable restoration of the mangrove ecosystem in the city of Pointe Noire by reducing the vulnerability of communities to the effects of climate change. It strengthen biodiversity conservation, reduce degradation of mangrove ecosystems, and preserve natural resources. The project also included the planting of two hectares of mangroves in the city of Pointe-Noire, the establishment of a mangrove management structure, and an awareness campaign in the communities surrounding the mangroves on the importance of preserving the trees.

Russel traveled to the Djéno district of Pointe-Noire to raise awareness with local fishermen and the community about the project’s importance and the role of mangroves in their lives. To help the community understand, he led dialogues with visuals to demonstrate the negative effects of climate change on the mangroves in the area and how the disappearance of mangroves would lead to food insecurity in the region. He reached 1500 people in Djéno through two awareness-raising sessions.  

Following his awareness campaigns, Russel gathered a team of volunteers to identify ideal planting sites for the mangroves. He then planted 2 hectares of mangroves with 5,000 seedlings. After consulting with the community, Russel reports that they are proud of the conservation project, and they see that the mangroves are growing well. 95% reported that the mangroves have had a positive impact on their lives and that these actions will provide a better environment for their children and grandchildren.

"I raise[d] awareness [nationally and internationally] about this ecosystem which plays a crucial role in climate change." - Bertrand Russel Tsoumou

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Bertrand was a participant in the IVLP Project Mangrove Ecosystem Management and Environmental Protection, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.

Bertrand's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "The Global Mangroves Alliance presentation and the University of Miami Rosentiel School's system for restoring mangroves in cities inspired me to propose my mangrove restoration project for the city of Pointe-Noire."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Miami, FL

Country: Republic of Congo 

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