The six sub-themes of the XV World Forestry Congress addressed the most important current issues concerning forests and the products and services they provide. The sub-themes also enable the review of progress in implementing the outcomes of previous congresses, especially the Durban Declaration, and the advances being made towards a sustainable, resilient future.
This sub-theme will discuss progress, opportunities and priorities for addressing deforestation and forest degradation. The implementation of recent global commitments and the operationalization of major initiatives, including that of the UN Secretary-General on turning the tide on deforestation, the UN framework on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, and international commitments and efforts on transforming food systems towards enhanced production while halting deforestation, will form part of the discourse.
The potential of forests to provide nature-based solutions (NBS) that deliver climate change adaptation and mitigation while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services is vital. The sub-theme will also review the advances made on NBS in relation to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which will contribute to efforts to combat climate change, build resilience of people and forests, and safeguard biodiversity.
Forests and trees provide important economic functions such as food, income, employment and ecosystem services, which are necessary for advancing inclusive and sustainable economic development. The sub-theme will also address technological advances, broad initiatives to change systems of production and consumption, and the financial mechanisms currently in place and that will be needed to trigger change and sustain the sector.
This subtheme will provide a forum to build understanding in the connections between forests and human health and well-being. Forests provide nutritious plant and animal-based foods, fodder, innumerable medicines and fuel for human societies from villages to major cities. Forest goods and services generate income that support health and well-being spanning rural and urban economies. Forest landscapes and their resources provide a foundation for rural development of remote and marginalized Indigenous Peoples and other local communities.
This sub-theme will present the latest innovations in forest monitoring techniques and discuss the need for sound scientific research and information to support forest policy deliberations. It will also examine how to enhance collaboration between science and policy, to strengthen forest education and to better communicate forestry issues to a wide range of audiences.
This sub-theme will draw attention to forests in the context of landscape dynamics and the multisectoral coordination and partnerships required to achieve meaningful sustainable forest management. The sub-theme will be directly relevant for many Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and the Global Forest Goals of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests.
