The Request alleges that the Project is perpetuating historical injustices against the Batwa people, claiming that the Project has systematically excluded the Batwa people from meaningful participation and proper consultations. According to the Request, Project consultations were flawed as there was no proper indigenous representation present, thus legitimizing the continued marginalization and exclusion of the Batwa people, who were in the past displaced from their traditional forests, leaving them landless and without resources. The Request also claims that although the Project presents opportunities for co-management and benefit-sharing that could address decades of marginalization, the Batwa people were never allowed to come to the table to negotiate co-management arrangements and benefit-sharing that could provide sustainable livelihoods for communities. It also claims that Batwa communities are being treated as “obstacles” rather than partners in conservation and tourism as the traditional forest knowledge of Batwa communities is being sidelined by the Project although it is an invaluable resource.
The Request claims that non-Indigenous intermediaries and government entities collect and benefit from tourism revenues, while Batwa identity and heritage is treated like a commodified resource. It alleges that Project-supported tourism exploits Batwa culture and the individuals selected to perform cultural practices, while at the same time Batwa communities are excluded from revenue-sharing, which amounts to cultural exploitation and forced assimilation. The Request adds that without a meaningful share of the benefits generated in their traditional territories the communities remain impoverished.
The Request further alleges that the Project’s acceptance of unauthorized representation has created divisions between Batwa leaders and settlements weakening their collective voice and unity. The Request has raised concerns about intimidation and reprisals, alleging threats to the safety of Batwa representatives for asserting their rights.
The Panel conducted its initial due diligence for the Request and met with the Requesters on September 24, 2025, and October 2, 2025, and with Bank Management on October 1, 2025. The Panel determined that the Request meets all applicable admissibility criteria. On October 14, 2025, the Panel registered the Request. The Panel’s registration implies no judgment whatsoever concerning the merits of a Request for Inspection
Under the Inspection Panel process, Bank Management must provide the Panel with a response to the issues raised in the Request within 21 business days—by November 12, 2025. The scope of Management’s response is set out in paragraph 20 of the Resolution.
