The DRC's terrain is highly diverse, with a broad basin in the center and west, bordered by high plateaus to the east and south. The east of the country is dominated by a volcanic chain interspersed with lakes. The vegetation defines three major natural regions: dense rainforest in the central basin and west; dry forests and savannahs in the southern part and on the northern fringe; and mountain ecosystems along the eastern border. The forest, which covers 135 million hectares of the national territory, makes the DRC one of the largest forested countries in the world, with more than half of the Congo Basin forest.

415 mammal species, 11,000 plant species, 1,117 bird species, and nearly 1,000 fish species have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone. Forest elephants, gorillas, bonobos, and okapis are among the most emblematic species of this extraordinary biodiversity. The DRC has five natural sites recognized as World Heritage Sites, more than all other African countries combined. The preservation of biodiversity in the DRC is primarily ensured by the system of protected areas. It is therefore important to manage them effectively so that they continue to play their role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.