International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation to be Held in Brazzaville

In response to the accelerating threat of climate change, the Republic of Congo, under the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, will host the first International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation from July 2 to 5, 2024, in Brazzaville. This event, endorsed by the African Union as the “African and Global Afforestation Decade,” is poised to play a crucial role in uniting global efforts to mitigate climate risks through extensive afforestation and reforestation initiatives.

The conference comes at a critical time when the sixth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights that many climate risks are greater than previously anticipated, especially for vulnerable African nations. The event aims to address these challenges by increasing global forest cover, a nature-based solution recognized for its cost-effectiveness and significant environmental benefits.

According to the event concept note, key objectives of the conference include establishing a global afforestation and reforestation strategy, increasing atmospheric carbon sequestration capacity, preserving habitats and biodiversity, and supporting the production of essential goods and services provided by forests. The strategy will encompass technical, scientific, and financial aspects, aiming to foster international cooperation in combating climate change.

The event will feature a diverse range of participants, including state representatives, regional and sub-regional political and economic organizations, global scientific communities, financial partners, international NGOs, and civil society organizations. Approximately 2,000 participants are expected to attend, reflecting the global interest and commitment to afforestation and reforestation efforts.

The conference will be structured into three main components: expert sessions, a ministerial segment, and a summit of Heads of State and Government. These sessions will focus on developing resource mobilization strategies, operationalizing conference recommendations, and fostering financing and investment for implementing the Brazzaville conference outcomes.

Notable presentations will cover the current state of afforestation and reforestation, the role of forests in climate change mitigation, innovative scientific solutions, and financing and partnerships. The conference aims to adopt a global declaration on afforestation and reforestation, including incorporating the “African and Global Decade of Afforestation” into the United Nations Agenda.

Under the aegis of the African Union and the United Nations Forum on Forests, the conference represents a significant step towards a coordinated global response to climate change. By promoting the expansion of global forest cover and enhancing the strategic frameworks governing afforestation and reforestation, the event aims to mitigate climate change impacts and support sustainable development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The concept note says as the world grapples with the dual challenges of a persistent economic and financial crisis and increasing demands for forest products, the Brazzaville conference serves as a timely and essential platform for fostering global collaboration and commitment to preserving the planet’s forests and combating climate change.