Women and men frequently have differing roles, responsibilities and priorities in their use, knowledge and experience of forests. This knowledge can offer critical inputs to policy and field interventions that will enable the long-term success of REDD+ and other actions against deforestation on the ground. However, social, economic, and cultural inequalities and legal impediments often lead to the exclusion of women from equitably and meaningfully participating in these activities. In particular, in the area of national forest monitoring, women may often be excluded or relegated to minor roles, despite the fact that NFMS systems will be stronger and more relevant...

Imagine a forest that covered half of your entire country. A biodiverse forest which supports thousands of species from giant anteaters to armadillos to jaguars. A forest that is home to diverse peoples and cultures -- and one of world’s last uncontacted tribes. That forest is in fact a reality in Paraguay, a South American country of seven million people, landlocked between Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia. It is home to much of the Gran Chaco forest that is considered the second largest forested landscape in South America -- second only to the Amazon rainforest. And like other countries which are home to...

Three years ago, the Paris Agreement came into effect and with it, a global commitment to limiting the increase of the global average temperature. To meet this goal, countries have put forward their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which form the basis for implementing actions under the Paris Agreement. Forests have the potential to contribute approximately one quarter of total intended emission reductions. Recognizing this, many developing countries have embarked on a journey to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). In order to support them in planning, implementing and monitoring these reductions, technical support to overcome data gaps and improve the quality...

“I was born in the forest and I have always lived in my comarca, remote and isolated. My grandfather and my father taught me about the forest, the plants and how to protect them and take care of them. Taking care of the forest comes naturally to me. As the forest needs me to protect it, I need the forest to live. Combining this ancestral knowledge with new technologies has made me a stronger protector of our indigenous forests.” (Rafael Valdespino, Indigenous Technician, Comarca Embera-Wounaan, Panama) With the largest indigenous population spanning 170 communities, the Mbya Guaranies of Paraguay is an...

Myanmar has one of the highest proportions of forest cover in mainland Southeast Asia. According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2015, 44.2% of the country’s territory is covered with forests. A considerable amount of these forests is still relatively intact, hosting exceptional biodiversity, including fishing cats, sun bears, dholes, binturongs, pangolins and more than 1,000 bird species. Moreover, an estimated 70% of the country’s population is living in rural areas and heavily dependent on forests for their basic needs. To protect the country’s natural wealth, while also fulfilling various national and...