Davos: Microcredit programmes have played a big role in bringing peace in Congo, conservationist Prince Emmanuel de Merode said today. Prince Emmanuel revealed this at a meeting in Davos.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus held the meeting with Belgium King Philippe and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum summit. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder briefed reporters about the outcomes of the meeting.
During the meeting, Prof Yunus was informed about the impact of a microcredit programme launched by a group headed by the Belgian prince. This initiative has significantly contributed to the expansion of tropical forest reserves in Congo.
Prince Emmanuel, whose group introduced microcredit in the conflict-prone areas of Congo, stated that the size of the Congolese forest is now double that of Britain. Following the conflict, microcredit initiatives have created 21,000 jobs, with approximately 11 percent of these opportunities being filled by former combatants.
He emphasized that microcredit programmes have played a crucial role in fostering peace in various parts of the region. Prince Emmanuel has been the director of Virunga National Park in Congo since 2008.