Congo Basin · DR Congo

Conservation is the keystone.

OCS is a youth-led, science-driven non-profit that puts biodiversity, local communities and future generations at the centre of ESG in the Congo Basin.

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≈3.7 M km²intact tropical forest in the Congo Basin
≈1.5 bn t CO₂absorbed every year: the largest tropical forest sink
≈29 bn t carbonstored in its peatlands, about 3 years of global emissions
75% under 35of Africa’s people by 2030: the youth generation
The problem we refuse to accept

Conservation that looks good on paper is not enough.

Plans that justify, not deliver.

Conservation designed to satisfy a checklist, with little change for forests or people.

Communities on the edge.

Those closest to nature are consulted last and rarely share the benefits.

Future generations absent.

Young people attend meetings but rarely hold a vote on decisions that shape their future.

Our answer

Conservation is the keystone of ESG

In an arch, the keystone locks every other stone in place. ESG works the same way: nature is the base on which Environmental, Social and Governance performance all depend.

  • Science drives every decision.
  • Standards: IFC, World Bank, ISO and GBF applied with discipline.
  • Communities co-design, consent and share the benefits.
  • Future generations hold seats and votes.
Discover the Keystone Approach
SCIENCE Evidence YOUTH Future CONSERVATION ESG
What we do

Six programmes, one arch

Science & Evidence Lab

Baselines, monitoring, remote sensing and open data.

ESG for Nature Advisory

IFC / World Bank-aligned biodiversity and social support for projects.

Community Stewardship

Co-managed conservation, eco-guards, agroforestry, benefit-sharing.

Keystone Youth Council

Votes, fellowships and youth-led research and enterprises.

Climate & Nature-based Solutions

Forest and peat protection, restoration, credible carbon accounting.

Learning & Capacity

Courses, field schools and open toolkits in French and English.
Youth at the table

Being present is not the same as having influence

Our Youth Seat Guarantee gives under-35s real votes, a youth budget and a role at every stage of every project.

Youth at the table Join the network
Illustration of young people around a council table, with a vote speech bubble

Build the arch with us

Companies, funders, researchers, communities and young people: there is a place for you.

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