FAO at the Global Transparency Forum 2025: Advancing forest data transparency for climate action

Forest data was at the center of the Global Transparency Forum 2025, a gathering organized under the Climate Transparency Platform to bring together governments, technical experts, and international organizations. Held in Songdo, Republic of Korea, the Forum provided a space to exchange experiences on how countries can meet the transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement.

FAO actively participated in this year’s edition, bringing together lessons from across the globe and highlighting the central role of forest data in climate transparency. From plenary debates to thematic sessions and informal exchanges, FAO emphasized three interlinked themes:

Forest data and the Enhanced Transparency Framework

Naturally one of the most discussed issues at the Forum was the Enhanced Transparency Framework, or ETF. Under the Paris Agreement, all countries are required to submit robust information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, climate action, and progress toward their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Forests, which act as both carbon sinks and emissions sources, are at the heart of these efforts.

FAO showcased how innovations in forest monitoring are enabling countries to generate high-quality forest-related data for ETF reporting. Using examples from Latin America, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, FAO highlighted methodologies that integrate remote sensing, field inventories, and advanced modeling to provide a clearer picture of forest area, carbon stocks, and land-use change.

These approaches are not only about numbers on paper. They are essential to ensuring that climate reports submitted under the ETF are accurate, credible, and internationally comparable. In practice, this means governments can track progress towards their climate pledges with confidence, while the global community gains a more reliable picture of how forests are contributing to climate action.

FAO’s presentations demonstrated how the organization, through its Forest Monitoring and Data Platform Team, works hand in hand with countries to bridge technical gaps, build institutional capacity, and ensure that forest data is fully integrated into ETF reporting cycles.

Institutionalization of forest data

Another recurring theme in Forum discussions was the need to go beyond project-based data collection and ensure that climate and forest data monitoring becomes a permanent, institutionalized function within countries. Many governments emphasized that while international support projects provide critical inputs, sustainable progress requires strong national institutions, clear mandates, and regular budgets dedicated to forest monitoring.

FAO used the opportunity to promote its recent publication “Towards the institutionalization of forest data – The importance of data management and sharing (https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5262en). The publication lays out pathways for countries to embed forest monitoring into national institutions, ensuring continuity, credibility, and ownership. It highlights the importance of governance frameworks, inter-agency coordination, and legal provisions that make forest data management a core government function rather than a temporary activity. To bring these points to life at the Forum, FAO shared an animated explainer, capturing experiences from multiple countries that are already advancing in this direction. The video served both as inspiration and as a practical guide for other governments facing similar challenges.

Discussions in breakout groups revealed the diversity of country experiences: some are in the early stages of designing their ETF journeys, while others are working to harmonize decades of accumulated data. Across the board, participants agreed that institutionalization is key to making data not only available but also trusted, shared, and applied in decision-making.

Collaboration and regional networks

The Forum also emphasized the value of learning across borders. Countries do not need to reinvent the wheel - many lessons can be adapted and transferred through regional and international collaboration.

In this regard, FAO highlighted its work with established networks such as the European Forest Information Network (ENFIN) and regional initiatives in the Asia-Pacific. In addition, during thematic sessions, FAO presented how peer-to-peer exchanges, workshops, and regional dialogues have helped countries in Latin America and the Carrebean, and Asia-Pacific strengthen their monitoring systems. These exchanges create a culture of transparency and accountability, where data is not only produced but also shared and compared across borders. Networks have experience in harmonizing data, setting standards and building trust among countries.

As part of this area, FAO also promoted the wide range of e-learning courses on forest data for climate action it has developed in recent years. Covering topics from forest and climate data to the institutionalization of monitoring systems, these courses provide practical, accessible training for technical experts in all regions. By combining global knowledge with regional exchanges, FAO is helping countries build both the technical skills and the collaborative culture needed for long-term success.

FAO’s role under the CBIT-Forest project

The CBIT-Forest project - Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency in the forest sector - is at the core of FAO’s engagement on transparency. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by FAO, the project supports countries in enhancing their forest-related data for ETF reporting. The activities are also cross-complementing other FAO’s flagship initiatives, including the AIM4Forest Programme a five-year programme funded by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, that supports forest monitoring using modern technologies such as remote sensing, satellite data, AI and machine learning, and ensures capacity building for countries, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Since its launch, CBIT-Forest II has worked with more than 20 countries to strengthen technical capacities, develop methodologies, and promote institutional solutions. Its approach is built on three pillars:

• Technical support: helping countries adopt innovative monitoring tools and integrate multiple data sources (remote sensing, field inventories, community-based monitoring).
• Institutional strengthening: promoting legal and governance frameworks that ensure forest monitoring is embedded in national institutions.
• Knowledge-sharing: building regional and global platforms where countries can learn from one another and access global expertise.

At the Global Transparency Forum, FAO used the CBIT-Forest experience to illustrate how tailored support can make a tangible difference in countries’ transparency journeys. By combining hands-on technical training with institutional advice and regional collaboration, the project provides a holistic response to the complex challenges of climate transparency.

Looking ahead: Partnerships for climate transparency

The Forum also provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships. FAO engaged with partner countries, UN partner agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to explore how joint efforts can better support countries in achieving their ETF obligations and advancing their climate goals.

Participants discussed the importance of aligning support efforts, avoiding duplication, and ensuring that countries receive coherent and coordinated assistance. FAO showcased that its decades of experience in forest monitoring, combined with its strong country presence through FAO Representations, put it in a unique position to bridge global expertise with national realities.

Reflecting on FAO’s contributions, Rocio Condor, FAO Forestry Officer, highlighted the value of the materials and tools brought to the Forum:

“We brought with us a wide range of resources, from technical publications to e-learning courses, because these are the tools that countries can put to use immediately. Events like this allow us to meet directly with country representatives, exchange experiences, and ensure that our support is closely aligned with their needs and priorities.”

Julian Fox, Senior Forestry Officer and Team Leader for forest data and monitoring platforms, emphasized the bigger picture:

“Forest data is fundamental for climate action. Transparency is not just about reporting - it is about building trust, strengthening accountability, and driving meaningful change on the ground. FAO has decades of experience supporting countries in forest monitoring, and we are proud to continue this work. Forest data transparency is essential if we want to meet our global climate goals.”