Latest news with #UnitedNationsForumonForests
The Star
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia proposes formal convention to strengthen UN Forum on Forests
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has proposed that the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) be strengthened into a formal convention to enhance national commitments towards the sustainable management, conservation and development of forest resources. The proposal was presented during the 20th session of the UNFF (UNFF20) at UN Headquarters in New York last week. The Malaysian delegation was led by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ching Thoo a/l Kim. In a statement, the ministry said Malaysia called for the transformation of the UNFF from a voluntary and non-legally binding instrument into a more formal, convention-based framework. "This would strengthen the commitment of countries in the sustainable management, conservation, and development of forest resources,' the statement read. During the session from May 5 to 9, Malaysia also shared its views and input in line with the ministry's aspirations, particularly its efforts to maintain forest cover, which currently stands at 54.31% of the country's total land area. Malaysia also emphasised the importance of implementing land-use policies such as the National Forestry Policy and the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022-2030. The Malaysian delegation also highlighted the need to support the forestry sector through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial assistance for developing nations. In addition, it highlighted the crucial role of forests in addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity, including their function as carbon sinks – an important element in achieving the national target of net zero emissions by 2050. This is in line with Malaysia's commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. "These efforts contribute directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land),' the statement read. The UNFF serves as a platform for policy development, especially in implementing sustainable forest management, and facilitates continuous dialogue among governments, international organisations, and other forestry stakeholders. Over 300 delegates from 70 countries, including Malaysia, attended the meeting. – Bernama
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
India's green cover grew to 25.17% of geographical area: Report
India has reported that its forest and tree cover now encompasses 25.17% of its geographical area at the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), while highlighting several national conservation initiatives, the environment ministry said on Friday. The statistic, part of the latest State of Forest report, was presented at the UNFF being held at the UN Headquarters in New York from May 5 to 9, where India detailed a 'consistent increase' in forest and tree cover resulting from key programmes. These initiatives include 'restoration of land under the Aravalli Green Wall, a 7.86% increase in mangrove cover over the past decade, afforestation of over 1.55 lakh hectares under the Green India Mission, and plantation of 1.4 billion seedlings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) campaign,' the ministry statement noted. India also participated in a high-level panel on 'Valuing Forest Ecosystems in National Policy and Strategy,' sharing findings from pilot studies conducted in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and tiger reserves across the country. These studies quantified ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water provisioning, and biodiversity conservation, using frameworks including the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). While acknowledging challenges in valuing non-market services, India emphasised the need to integrate ecosystem valuation into national planning processes to ensure informed forest governance and long-term ecological sustainability. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023 released by the Union Environment Ministry in December last year, the country's forest and tree cover spans 8,27,357 sq km. This includes 21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover. The report shows an increase of 1,445 sq km in total green cover since 2021—an area comparable to Delhi. However, the release of the State of Forest report by the Forest Survey of India has been delayed by more than a year, despite being scheduled biennially. The previous report was published in 2021. HT reported on December 24 that despite headline growth in green cover, the ISFR 2023 highlights concerning trends, including the degradation of large forest tracts, increased plantations, and ambiguity regarding 'unclassed forests.' Experts warn these developments could seriously impact biodiversity, forest-dependent communities, and ecosystem services provided by old-growth forests. Regarding the latest figures, experts said that the methodology has several problems. 'The methodology has several concerns that are problematic. The assessment of forest cover is flawed considering that even plantations and orchards and trees such as Mango and Coconut are counted under forest and tree cover. Moreover, the report has highlighted loss of unclassed forests to the tune of 1488 sq Kms between ISFR 2021 and 2023; large scale loss of forests in high altitude areas and degradation of forests by 92,989 sq km as reported in the ISFR 2023 besides non-compliance of crucial Supreme Court directives. This points to a reduction and degradation of forest cover and not an increase. We need a scientific and factual interpretation of the latest state of forest report and not a feel-good conclusion,' said Prakriti Srivastava, retired IFS and former principal chief conservator of forests, Kerala. The report revealed that 40,709.28 sq km of forest area degraded between 2011 and 2021, transitioning from very dense and moderately dense to open forests. The UNFF, which has evolved over two decades into a central actor in global forest policy, spearheads consensus on forest-related issues by adopting frameworks such as the UN Forest Instrument, the Global Forest Goals, and the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. This Strategic Plan established six voluntary Global Forest Goals, including reversing deforestation, increasing forest area by 3% worldwide, and maintaining or enhancing the world's forest carbon stocks. The ongoing UNFF20 technical session focuses on three specific Global Forest Goals: reversing forest cover loss, increasing protected and sustainably managed forests, and promoting forest governance and legal frameworks.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
India's forest, tree cover at 25.17% due to large scale plantation works: Govt to UN
The forest and tree cover of India is now 25.17% of its geographical area because of key national initiatives, the latest India State of Forest Report told the United Nations Forum on Forests at the UN headquarters in New York from May 5-9. 'India reported a consistent increase in forest and tree cover, now encompassing 25.17% of its geographical area as per the latest India State of Forest Report as a result of key national initiatives like the restoration of land under the Aravalli Green Wall, a 7.86% increase in mangrove cover over the past decade, afforestation of over 1.55 lakh hectares under the Green India Mission, and plantation of 1.4 billion seedlings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) campaign,' the environment ministry said on Friday. India also joined a high-level panel on 'Valuing Forest Ecosystems in National Policy and Strategy' at the UN, where it shared findings from pilot studies in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, and tiger reserves. These studies quantified ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water provisioning, and biodiversity conservation using frameworks such as the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). While acknowledging challenges in valuing non-market services, India emphasised the need to integrate ecosystem valuation into national planning for informed forest governance and long-term ecological sustainability. India's forest and tree cover encompasses 8,27,357 sqkm — 25.17% of the country's geographical area — as of 2023, according to the India State of Forest Report released by the Union environment ministry in December last year. Of this, around 21.76% is forest cover whereas tree cover is around 3.41%. The last such report, which is supposed to be released biennially, came out in 2021. Compared to 2021, there is an increase of 1445 sqkm — an area as large as Delhi — in the total forest and tree cover of the country, the report said. HT reported on December 24 that the country's green cover may be increasing according to the headline findings of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, but the study also addressed the degradation of large tracts of forestland, increase in plantations and lack of clarity in status of so-called unclassed forests — all of which could have serious impacts on biodiversity, people dependent on forests and ecosystem services provided by old-growth forests, experts said. According to the report released on Saturday, 40,709.28 sqkm of land has degraded between 2011 and 2021, from very dense and moderately dense to open forests.
Leaders
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Showcases Forest Conservation Efforts at UN Forum
Saudi Arabia is actively participating in the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), currently taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The event has brought together global delegations, along with leading environmental and forestry experts, to advance international dialogue on sustainable forest management. United Nations Forum on Forests During the opening session, Dr. Najeeb Alsubhi, head of the Saudi delegation, delivered the Kingdom's national address. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's local and regional initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring forests, and called for stronger international cooperation to secure the long-term sustainability of forest ecosystems. Later in the session, Dr. Saleh Alzamanan, Director of Mangrove Forests at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), emphasized the importance of empowering local communities to derive sustainable benefits from forests, aligning community engagement with broader environmental goals. The UN Forum on Forests serves as the leading global platform for forest-related discussions. It aims to promote sustainable forest management, preserve natural resources, balance economic and environmental priorities, and monitor progress toward the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. Moreover, the forum also focuses on reversing deforestation, expanding protected forest areas, and advancing the role of forests in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Saudi Arabia's participation reflects its strong commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and leadership in forest sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the Kingdom recognizes the vital role forests play in combating desertification and climate change, reducing urban heat, and enhancing biodiversity—key components of its broader sustainable development vision. NCVC As part of the forum, the NCVC will host a side event on Wednesday in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The session will also highlight Saudi Arabia's forest protection strategies and promote international collaboration for sustainable forestry. The NCVC continues to lead several major initiatives, including the ambitious 'Grow 60 Million Trees' campaign, which aims to rehabilitate 300,000 hectares of land by 2030. In addition, the NCVC enforces the Executive Regulation for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, with a strong focus on Article Six related to forest management. This article mandates the implementation of a national sustainable forest plan and the regulation of grazing within forested areas. Related Topics: King Salman Reserve Authority Enhances Environmental Conservation, Ecosystem Restoration Saudi Green Initiative Day: Fostering Culture of Environmental Responsibility Riyadh Hosts First National Greening Forum Green Riyadh Program begins afforestation of residential neighborhoods, starting with Azizia Short link : Post Views: 15
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Korea Herald
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Contribution] Forests: The green pillars of climate resilience and global food security
"Climate change is the most serious threat we are facing today -- far more severe than terrorism." These were the words from David King, former UK Special Representative for Climate Change, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis. Climate change impacts every aspect of our society, from extreme weather events and natural disasters to declining food production. Forests play a critical role in addressing this crisis as natural carbon sinks, helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change. Moreover, healthy forests store water, protect soil and support increased agricultural yields, making them a key solution to the global food security challenge. Every year on March 21, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the United Nations Forum on Forests jointly observe the International Day of Forests to highlight the crucial role of forest ecosystems in climate stability, security and biodiversity. This year's theme is 'Forests and Food.' According to the FAO, forests serve as an essential safety net in times of food crises caused by crop failures or conflicts. More than five billion people rely on forests and forest products for food and livelihood. However, global food insecurity is worsening. In 2023 alone, conflicts and climate-related disasters left approximately 212 million people across 38 countries struggling with food shortages. Meanwhile, deforestation continues at an alarming rate, with an annual forest loss of 4.7 million hectares since 2010, which is equivalent to 75 percent of South Korea's total forest area. The primary driver of deforestation is population growth and the increasing demand for food. The World Wildlife Fund warned that reckless forest conversion contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and decreased food production. When forests are cleared, the stored carbon is released, accelerating the climate crisis. This, in turn, intensifies droughts, floods and heatwaves, making food production even more challenging. If climate change continues unsolved, crop yields will decline, food prices will soar and global food insecurity will worsen. To tackle these issues, we need policies that promote forest restoration and sustainable conservation, helping mitigate climate change while ensuring food security. The Korea Forest Service is committed to sustainable forest management under its 'Valuable and Healthy Forests for All' initiative. In February, the agency introduced the 'Forest Food' national brand to provide greater access to healthy, forest-grown food products from Korea's pristine forests. These Forest Food products -- such as wild vegetables, deodeok (Codonopsis lanceolata), chestnuts and gomchwi (Ligularia fischeri) -- have been naturally harvested and consumed since ancient times. Since they are grown in remote forest regions, their consumption will also support rural communities at risk of depopulation. Moreover, maintaining forests for their production contributes to climate change mitigation. In addition, Korea is leveraging its successful reforestation experience to assist developing countries in restoring and conserving their forests while improving food security. For example, in Ethiopia and Togo, both facing, KFS is supporting projects to establish nurseries, restore forests and implement agroforestry, a method of integrating crop cultivation within forest areas to boost food production and earnings. Through the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization spearheaded by Korea, we have worked with Southeast Asian countries to protect local forests and strengthen food security there. Additionally, we have invited forestry officials from developing countries to share Korea's expertise in reforestation through specialized training programs. Forests and food are deeply intertwined. Looking ahead, KFS will drive global collaboration to restore forests and promote sustainable food production. By deepening partnerships with international organizations, we aim to make a lasting impact on global forest conservation. On this International Day of Forests, I encourage everyone to reflect on how forests sustain human life and the critical link between forests and food security.
