This study uses the Threshold 21 (T21) simulation model for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to analyze four policy scenarios and assess their potential for achieving the “reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation” (REDD+) policy and sustainable development in the DRC by 2035. The findings show that among the scenarios tested, the ‘green economy scenario’ – spearheading the implementation of the national REDD + strategy, combined with improved governance and promoting ecosystem services results in the most effective sustainable development outcomes.