At the end of the Symposium, the Congo Basin network will be positioned to develop a Strategic Plan for enhancing the security of biodiversity, biodiversity and natural resource management, creating a sustainable network of scientists in the Congo basin and in the diaspora. We expect participants to form working pairs and groups to focus on common research areas and undertake ground breaking projects that will mainstream biodiversity, climate and natural resource security and shape developmental policies. This Symposium will bring out the brightest minds and serve as a springboard for early career researchers in the fields of biodiversity, climate and natural resource.