AFSA’s trailblazing The Congo Basin Convening, held from 29-31 August, was centered around the theme in “reconciling food production with biodiversity conservation and climate emergency”. This important convening culminated in the release of the Kinshasa Declaration on 31st August 2023. Gathering 230 participants from six countries and various sectors, the declaration highlights the unmatched importance of the Congo Basin, a vital lifeline for 75 million people, a stronghold of biodiversity, and a cornerstone of climate resilience. The document details the imminent threats faced by this precious forest heritage and underscores the necessity to harmonize conservation efforts with food sovereignty and climate resilience. The consensus reached during the convening recognizes agroecology as a fundamental element for creating climate-resilient food systems and underlines the critical role played by indigenous communities in conservation efforts. The declaration concludes with a collective appeal for stakeholders worldwide to participate in the mission to safeguard this invaluable asset for the benefit of future generations.