【COP29 Side-Event】Advancing Forest Sector Contributions to NDC Targets: African Innovations in Management and Monitoring of Forests and Nature-Based Solutions
Day：2024.12.18
event ｜
Person in charge
| identity | belong to | title |
|---|---|---|
| Yasuko Inoue | JICA SFS-CORECC Project, Kenya | Expert on Forest Policy/Extension |
Overview
Date: 19 November, 12:00-13:30
Co-host：JICA, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Kenya（MECCF）,Kenya Forest Service(KFS)
Collaborators：Tanzania Forest Service Agency (Tanzania), Ministry of Land and Environment (Mozambique), Forest National Corporation (Sudan)
Location：East African Community Pavilion, Blue Zone
Moderators and panelists
| identity | belong to | title |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rose Akombo | Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Kenya (MECCF) | Principal Conservator of Forests |
| Ms. Sami Izutsu | Sumitomo Corporation | Team Leader of Development and Intelligence- Carbon Solution Business Unit |
| Ms.Grace Kemunto Ogechi | SFS-CORECC Project | JICA Project Officer |
| Ms. Beth Welemba | Kenya Forest Service (KFS) | Conservator of Forests |
| Dr. Elikana John | Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS) | Senior Conservator |
| Dr. Sayeda Ali Ahmed Khalil | Forest National Corporation, Sudan (SFNC) | REDD+ National Coordinator |
| Mr. Joaquim Armando Macuacua | Ministry of Land and Environment, Mozambique | Head of Mapping and Data Management, National Directorate of Forests |
| Dr. Noriaki Sakaguchi | JICA | Senior Advisor, Global Environment Department |
| Mr. Peter Sirayo | Kenya Forest Service (KFS) | Conservator of Forests |
Primary objectives and outcomes
This side event aimes to showcase collaborative efforts from Kenya and other African countries in leveraging innovative forest management practices to support climate goals, and to discuss the importance of inclusive strategy development, with a focus on gender equality and social considerations, as well as advancements in monitoring and data systems essential for effective forest management, explored financial inclusion through mechanisms such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and carbon markets, which are driving sustainable funding for forest conservation.
In addition, the side event aims to share insights from countries pioneering landscape and ecosystem restoration practices—efforts critical for meeting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and advancing sustainable development.
Emphasizing cross-sector collaboration, the event will underscore the importance of cooperative actions in achieving long-term climate resilience and sustainable forest management across Africa.
Content of the discussions
The side event was opened by Dr.Akombo, who emphasized the critical role of knowledge exchange and sharing best practices within the African forest sector. She highlighted the bold steps African countries are taking to advance global climate action through ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In particular, Ms. Akombo showcased Kenya’s national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032—a Presidential initiative aimed at achieving landscape conservation and ecosystem restoration.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms.Izutsu from Sumitomo Corporation, who offered a private sector perspective on carbon projects. She noted that carbon initiatives provide more sustainable and long-term support for reforestation compared to traditional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
Ms. Ogechi presented JICA’s 39-year collaboration in Africa’s forestry sector, focusing on the SFS-CORECC Project, forest policy support, and the role of green finance in promoting sustainable forest management. Complementing this, Ms. Welemba highlighted ongoing efforts to develop forest ecosystem service assessment guidelines under the SFS-CORECC Project, demonstrating their practical applications.
Dr. John provided insights into Tanzania’s timber tracking system, which has improved governance and significantly boosted national revenues. Dr. Sayeda outlined Sudan’s progress on REDD+ policies and its submission of sub-national Reference Emission Levels (REL). Meanwhile, Mr. Macuacua showcased Mozambique’s National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS) and its submission of the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) Technical Annex for REDD+.
Dr. Sakaguchi, JICA Senior Advisor, concluded the session by underscoring the importance of regional collaboration in advancing global climate objectives. He also highlighted the anticipation for TICAD IX, to be held in Yokohama, as a platform to strengthen partnerships in support of Africa’s climate and development goals.
The event provided a comprehensive discussion on innovative solutions and experiences in forest management and monitoring, and underscored the African forest sector’s pivotal role in addressing climate challenges.
Materials
Related Links
Presenters and a moderator, from left: Mr. Sirayo (KFS, SFS-CORECC Project, Kenya), Mr. John (TFS, Tanzania), Dr. Sayeda (SFNC, Sudan), Mr. Macuacua (NDF, MITAM, Mozambique), Dr. Akombo (MECCF, Kenya) Ms. Welemba (KFS, SFS-CORECC Project, Kenya) and Dr. Sakaguchi (JICA HQ), from front left: Ms. Izutsu (Sumitomo) and Ms. Ogech (JICA SFS-CORECC)
Mr. Sirayo, KFS moderating.
Ms. Ogech introduces JICA's 39-year history of the forest sector in Kenya.
Ms. Welemba responds to questions from audience about PES.
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