Leaders Gather for China-Africa Forest Governance Symposium

BEIJING (Mar. 10, 2013) – Representatives from African nations and China gathered in Beijing and Tengchong, Yunnan to strengthen China-Africa forest governance, against a backdrop of growing illegal logging and deforestation at The China-Africa Forest Governance Symposium and Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG) International Learning Event from March 5-10. The event was hosted by Chinese Academy of Forestry (CAF), Global Environmental Institute (GEI) and International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).

GEI’s Mme JIN Jiaman (second from right) and distinguished guests kick off the event – GEI 2013

The over 70 representatives from African countries included esteemed guests from Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and South Africa. The Chinese representatives were from a diverse including from the State Forestry Administration, industry associations, research institutes and NGOs.

The report China-Africa Forest Governance and Livelihoods: Perception and Evidence was officially released at the symposium in Beijing. The report explores the problems and challenges facing China-Africa forestry trade and investment from both China’s and Africa’s perspectives and provides policy recommendations for communication between China and Africa on forestry governance issues.

The event stressed learning and experience-sharing – GEI 2013

A representative from Malawi expressed his views on the symposium: “[It] is not only an excellent exchange opportunity, but is also a significant step for promoting a better understanding of forest governance in China and to promote sustainable development of China-Africa forestry trade.”

This conference marks the official establishment of the China-Africa Forest Governance Learning Platform, which provides opportunities for setting up a routine communication system on China-Africa forest governance.

The participants enjoyed a trip out in nature – GEI 2013

About the Symposium

The IIED FGLG International Learning Event was held in Tengchong, Yunnan on March 7. Group members from Asia (India, Indonesia and Vietnam) and Africa shared their experience over the last year in promoting forest governance, encouraging sustainable forestry development and providing benefits to local communities and discussed potential areas for cooperation in 2013.

With the support of the Tengchong Forestry Bureau, the representatives were able to learn from the forestry economy development experience and relevant economic models in Tengchong. By reforming the forest tenure system, the Tengchong Forestry Bureau has developed a mature agro-forestry economy and timber industry, and has increased the income of communities, which rely on forestry for their livelihoods.

The event was full of learning and listening to the various stakeholders’ experience and knowledge – GEI 2013