SADC Member States Participate in Recent UN Forum on Forests, Emphasizing Sustainable Management

Recently, the Secretariat and Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) participated in the Twentieth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. The SADC Member States represented included Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. They joined the international community in calling for accelerated implementation of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 (UNSPF), which serves as a reference framework for the forest-related work of UN bodies and partners.



The discussions focused on enhancing international cooperation and financing for forestry management programs, increasing visibility and support for dryland forests, strengthening national commitments, and fostering innovative funding mechanisms. There was also a strong emphasis on greater engagement of local communities, including women and youth.



During plenary sessions and side events at UNFF20, SADC delegates showcased initiatives aimed at restoring degraded forests, promoting community-based forest management, and enhancing biodiversity conservation. They underscored the critical role that forests play in combating climate change and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).



SADC Member States highlighted activities aimed at raising awareness of the significance of forests at the national level, including the commemoration of the International Day of Forests on 21 March each year. This day provides an opportunity for engagement among traditional leaders, the public, and other stakeholders to promote the role of forests.




A senior representative from the SADC Secretariat led the delegation and addressed the attendees on the contribution of the SADC region towards achieving the priority themes of the UNSPF. The representative emphasized that SADC Member States continue to implement national forestry programs aligned with the targets and goals of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests.



The representative called for ongoing collaboration in implementing the SADC Forestry Strategy, which aims to ensure that Member States have the capacity to sustainably manage and utilize both national and transboundary forest resources. This is to be achieved through unilateral, bilateral, regional, and international frameworks that provide for economic development and ecosystem services for the people of the SADC region.



The establishment of the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network was welcomed, as it aims to enhance countries’ access to data on forest financing. The efforts by the UNFF Secretariat in implementing the communication and outreach strategy of the UNSPF 2017-2030 were also acknowledged.



On 7 May, SADC Member States participated in a panel discussion titled “Call for Action on Dryland Forests,” where delegates stressed the importance of building on existing partnerships and utilizing tools and knowledge for effective forest management. They called for South-South cooperation and investment in capacity building for dryland forest conservation and management.



During the discussion, SADC urged urgent action among partners and stakeholders to address threats posed by land degradation, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and climate change, which exert pressure on forests, water resources, and soils. SADC highlighted that sustainable natural resource management is central to its regional integration and development agenda, as outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030.



The session revolved around key priorities of the UNFF, including reversing the loss of forest cover through sustainable forest management, increasing the area of protected forests, and promoting governance frameworks for sustainable forest management.



At the conclusion of the meeting, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable forest management as a cornerstone of sustainable development, ensuring that forests remain central to supporting climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and securing the well-being of future generations worldwide.