About Us

Three people planting young trees in a lush green farmland, with banana trees in the background.

The Forum of Friends of Development and Protection of the Environment (FADPE asbl.) is a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of animal welfare, environmental protection, and community development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded in 2018, FADPE is based in Goma, North Kivu Province.

HOW WE STARTED

The Democratic Republic of Congo faces multiple challenges: widespread violations against animals, especially companion animals and animals living alongside humans, the vicious destruction of our environment, and ongoing war that continues to increase vulnerability and create orphans.

These urgent realities pushed us to create FADPE on July 8, 2018 in the City of Goma. We saw animals suffering without a voice, we witnessed environmental destruction threatening our communities' future, and we recognized vulnerable children needing support and care. And we couldn’t stay silent without doing anything about it.

A man planting seedlings in a garden next to a stone wall.

FADPE works to:

  • A small white dog with light brown ears stands on a dirt path next to some greenery. The dog is looking to the left with its tail raised.

    Promote animal rights and respect to animals among local communities

  • A group of students in white uniforms seated in desks inside a classroom, with a table of food including rice, vegetables, and fruit in front of them, and some people serving or preparing food near the table.

    Support community transition to plant-based diets for health and sustainability

  • Young man planting a small tree or shrub in the ground, surrounded by tall corn stalks and greenery, with a handwritten sign that reads 'Women Empowerment 2021' in the background.

    Combat deforestation and promote reforestation to address climate change

  • Group of people around a table with pineapple slices, with a woman serving pineapple and two children receiving it, outside a building with blue window frames.

    Operate a plant-based orphanage providing care and shelter for vulnerable children

  • Close-up of a white goat with small horns, standing outdoors on grass, looking at the camera.

    Advocate for farmed animals who do not have a voice of their own

  • A classroom with young students seated at wooden desks, listening to a presentation by teachers at the front. The classroom is made of wood with educational posters on the walls. A banner is visible behind the teachers.

    Promote gender equality and positive masculinity

Group of people holding posters and banner about wildlife conservation in an outdoor setting, with small children watching.

OUR VISION

We envision communities actively participating in local development through environmental protection and self-reliance.

A young boy in a white shirt and dark pants is washing his hands at an outdoor handwashing station with a blue basin and a yellow water container.

OUR MISSION

To engage communities in sustainable development by promoting plant-based living, environmental conservation, and respect for all life.

Learn more

FADPE was established as a registered non-profit and non-governmental association in accordance with Law N° 004/2001 of July 30, 2001 laying down general provisions applicable to non-profit associations and public utility establishments in the DRC. We received official registration under N° 503/2018 on December 15, 2018, legal personality N° Just/SG/20/273/2020-F.92/36996, and certificate of registration N° 08/DIVAS/AS/023/2020 granting us charitable organization status.