United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF18) [UPSC Notes]

The eighteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF18) took place in New York in May 2023. During the forum, delegates discussed the contributions of sustainable forest management (SFM) to energy, livelihoods, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is an international platform established by the United Nations (UN) to promote sustainable forest management and conservation worldwide. It serves as a central forum for discussing forest-related issues, developing policies, and coordinating international efforts to address challenges related to forests.

UNFF Background:

• The UNFF was established in 2000 as a result of the UN General Assembly’s recognition of the importance of forests in promoting sustainable development. 
• It replaced the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (IFF) to provide a more inclusive and comprehensive platform.

UNFF Objectives

The primary objectives of the UNFF are:

• Promoting the sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests.
• Enhancing the implementation of sustainable forest management practices.
• Facilitating cooperation and coordination among countries, organizations, and stakeholders involved in forest-related issues.
• Supporting the integration of forests into broader sustainable development goals and agendas.
• Encouraging the provision of financial resources, capacity-building, and technology transfer to support sustainable forest management.

UNFF Structure and Membership:

• The UNFF is composed of all United Nations member states and other stakeholders, including international organizations, civil society groups, indigenous peoples, and the private sector. 
• It operates through regular sessions, subsidiary bodies, and intersessional work.

The UNFF has two main subsidiary bodies:

• Bureau: It consists of member states representing different regions and is responsible for overseeing the implementation of decisions and facilitating the work of the UNFF.
• Ad Hoc Expert Group (AHEG): It is a group of experts appointed to provide advice and recommendations on specific forest-related issues.

UNFF Functions and Activities

• Policy Development: It facilitates the development of international policies, agreements, and instruments related to forests, including the promotion of sustainable forest management and the conservation of forest biodiversity.
• Reporting and Assessment: It monitors and assesses the progress made by member states in implementing sustainable forest management practices and achieving forest-related goals.
• Capacity-Building: It supports capacity-building initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of countries in managing their forests sustainably.
• International Cooperation: It promotes international cooperation, partnerships, and collaboration among countries and stakeholders to address forest-related challenges.
• Resource Mobilization: It facilitates the mobilization of financial resources, technology transfer, and other forms of support for sustainable forest management.

Outcomes and Contributions:

• The UNFF has contributed to significant outcomes and initiatives in the field of forests, including the adoption of the Non-Legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests (NLBI), which provides a global framework for action on forests. 
• It has also played a crucial role in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15 on conserving and sustainably managing forests.

UNFF Significance – Why Forests are Important

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) plays a crucial role in tropical regions, as highlighted by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). Recent discussions have shed light on the significance of sustainable sourcing of tropical timber and the need to address the growing pressure on forests due to increased bioenergy usage. 

Importance of Forests and Sustainable Sourcing:

• Zhimin Wu, the forestry director of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasized that forests have a profound impact on the global economy and environment. 
• Non-timber forest products benefit over five billion people, and forest ecosystems provide 55% of renewable energy requirements. 
• It is crucial to ensure sustainable sourcing of tropical timber to protect these valuable resources.

Role of Forests in Climate Change Mitigation:

• Mirey Atallah, head of UNEP’s Nature for Climate branch, highlighted the immense potential of forests in reducing emissions. 
• Forests can contribute to a reduction of five gigatonnes of emissions. 
• To drive the carbon market, Atallah stressed the importance of demand-side measures, focusing on consumer behaviour, rather than relying solely on supply-side measures like forest certification.

Country Perspectives and Conservation Measures:

• Various countries shared their experiences and commitments towards forest conservation. Saudi Arabia highlighted the need to prevent forest fires and urban expansion encroaching on forested areas. 
• India presented a case study of a country-led initiative on long-term SFM, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices. 
• Suriname, known for being the most forested and carbon-negative country, shared the challenges it faces due to economic pressures impacting green cover and environmental policies. 
  • Suriname has committed to 23% net energy from renewable sources by 2025 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Promoting Sustainable Practices:

• Countries such as China proposed innovative approaches to reduce pressures on forests. 
• Suggestions included using residues of compacted bamboo or sawdust as alternatives to plastic sticks, and producing briquettes and pellets. 
• China also highlighted its significant progress in generating 41.32 gigawatts of power through wood biomass, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality before 2030.

Contrasting Perspectives:

• While the discussions were largely focused on promoting sustainable practices, some countries expressed concerns. 
• Morocco raised the point that wood energy is exhaustible and releases carbon, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. 
• Australia shared its stance on the dependence of certain species on fire for germination and informed about ongoing trials on mechanical fuel load reduction. 
• The country stressed the importance of making wood residue markets financially feasible.

Integrated Approaches for a Sustainable Future:

• Zhimin Wu reiterated the importance of integrated and innovative approaches to transition towards agro-food and agroforestry systems. 
• Such approaches can help reduce pressures on forests while simultaneously providing food security and livelihood opportunities.

Conclusion:

• The discussions held at the international level highlighted the significance of sustainable forest management, the role of forests in climate change mitigation, and the need for innovative approaches. 
• Global stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustainable sourcing, conservation measures, and the transition towards a greener future. 
• By integrating sustainable practices into various sectors and addressing challenges collectively, we can ensure the preservation of forests, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development worldwide.

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