Description: This conference will catalyze new and broader actions on securing tenure rights in Central and West Africa for implementation by governments, civil society organizations and local communities with the support of international institutions and funding agencies. This will involve setting up goals and developing agendas for new interventions and reforms. Participants will share experiences in securing tenure rights, including the relationship between tenure reform and other goals such as improving livelihoods, securing investment, spurring small scale enterprises, and addressing climate change. The diversity of stakeholders present and the multiplicity of perspectives they represent will allow for discussion, debate and the strengthening of collaborations and partnerships. The new initiatives emanating from this conference will help strengthen the impact of other key efforts particularly on forest law enforcement and governance and voluntary partnership agreements that are being launched in Africa, all of which point to the necessity and urgency of clarifying rights.