Baku, Azerbaijan – Achieving a forest-based bioeconomy can help halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation and contribute to global goals on climate, delegates at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) heard today at an event organized by partners from the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF).
As part of the CPF series of events taking place in the COP29 Forest Pavilion, Sustainable forest-based bioeconomy for climate change mitigation and adaptation was led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) as well as Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The event kicked off with opening remarks by CPF Chair Zhimin Wu, Japan’s Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs Yutaka Matsuzawa and ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru before giving the floor to moderated panel discussions.
Speakers underscored the importance of forest monitoring and data transparency, the use of sustainable wood in achieving carbon neutrality and resilient economies, and how mobilizing new investments can support the development of a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy.
Thanks to scientific advances, sustainable wood products can offer a viable alternative to fossil-fuel based and carbon-intensive materials such as concrete, steel, plastics and synthetic fibres. Using wood from sustainably managed forests in construction, for example, can significantly reduce carbon emissions in the building sector.
“Forests are key to achieving the Global Forest Goals, the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said CPF Chair Zhimin Wu in his opening remarks. “We need to develop a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy that balances economic development, social equity and environmental conservation. Unlocking the full bioeconomy potential of forests requires strong collaboration among all stakeholders.”
Pathways to forest data transparency
During the event, FAO launched a new publication on transparency in forest monitoring data called Pathways to forest data transparency: Best practices from national forest monitoring to support climate action.
The publication looks at robust national forest monitoring systems in Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean and highlights the importance of reliable data in sustainable forest management, climate action and emissions accountability to support countries in their progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.
The case studies offer detailed insights into the principles and methodologies that support open and accessible forest data, which in turn can empower stakeholders to build the quality, availability and usability of forest-related information.
Ongoing efforts
The COP 29 event is part of the CPF’s ongoing efforts to support the transition towards a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy, as forests across the world come under increasing pressure from climate-related stressors and the global demand for forest-based products grows.
During the forest-based bioeconomy day, a series of conversations also took place at the Forest Pavilion’s Social Media Stage. The talks, which will be made available online, explored issues such as policymaking for an inclusive forest-based bioeconomy, the empowerment of Indigenous Peoples, leveraging finance and engaging the private sector, and the need to engage youth and harness innovation in forest bioeconomy.
The CPF works collectively to support countries to accelerate progress towards achieving these forest-related goals and targets, and to fully unlock the potential of forests and their goods and services, including for climate mitigation and adaptation.
