Near real-time monitoring (NRTM) of deforestation is proving to be invaluable in the ongoing fight against deforestation and the preservation of global forests. NRTM systems leverage various technologies and data sources to detect disturbances quickly and accurately in forests. They use data from satellites, drones, and ground sensors to detect changes in forest cover, such as illegal logging, clear-cutting, or fires as soon as they occur. Early detection is crucial for preventing further damage and taking swift action. By providing authorities with timely and accurate information, these systems enable law enforcement agencies to respond promptly to illegal activities in forests.  Reduced...

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is conducting a survey open for the participation of respondents from all types of financial institutions and all relevant functions and working levels. The goal is getting information about what frameworks, guidance, and datasets financial institutions use to tackle deforestation in financial portfolios. The survey's results will support the definition of a pathway for mainstreaming deforestation-free finance and enabling financial institutions to improve how to address growing public concern and compliance pressures on deforestation. (Extended deadline) Take the survey by 15 January 2024 at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/faogcsurvey Respondents: All types of financial institutions from...

The current year has witnessed an exacerbation of extreme climatic events across diverse domains, resulting in losses and damages of such magnitude that their comprehensive enumeration proves challenging. In the last decade, research and support initiatives have predominantly centered on emissions mitigation. However, it is discernible that such measures, albeit essential, are insufficient in addressing the comprehensive variety of challenges inherent in combatting climate change. While mitigating emissions remains crucial, addressing the impacts and consequences of climate change is equally important. The reality of rapid warming requires that every country creates an adaptation strategy to become more resilient to the...

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), held a training workshop in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from the 23rd to the 27th of October. The activity focused on the development of robust subregional capacities in national forest inventories (NFIs), an endeavor that carries profound implications for the future of West Africa's landscapes. Hosted by FAO and the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Sierra Leone, the event gathered 20 participants from...

For decades, the global community has actively collected efforts to reduce deforestation. While there is a growing momentum on the crucial collaborations between agriculture and forestry sectors, financing into nature, especially in the contexts of forests, remains inadequate and underreported. To meet global climate, biodiversity, and land degradation targets, financing for forest pathways needs to at least triple, reaching over USD 200 billion annually by 2030.  It’s noteworthy that the majority of these investments are fueled by government expenditures. Forests, crucial for climate and agriculture livelihoods, require action supported by strategic investments and innovative finance sources. However, significant gaps exist in...