Introduction
Forests are essential for human development; they provide a range of ecosystem services, and play a significant role in combating climate change, fostering biodiversity, and supporting the livelihoods of millions worldwide. According to the United Nations (UN), forests cover 31% of the world’s land surface[i]. Recognising the crucial importance of forests, the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) was established in 2000 as a key platform for international cooperation and policy development. The nexus between forests and climate change has become increasingly evident, underscoring the urgency of effective forest management and conservation. In this context, this paper discusses the role and commitment of the UN Forum on Forests to the climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. This view point discusses the mitigation and adaptation initiatives adopted by the UNFF on climate change; its impacts and limitations.
Evolution of the UN Forum on Forests
The conservation and management of all types of forests and their resources was first addressed by the Stockholm Conference of 1972, and has evolved from several conferences and conventions including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1975), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(1975), the International Tropical Timber Agreement (1983), and the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (1992), the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (1995), and the Intergovernmental Focrum on Forests (1997).
Resolution 2000/35 of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), adopted in October 2000 has led to the establishment of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF). It is a subsidiary body of the United Nations (UN); with the objective of promoting the management, conservation, and sustainable development of all types of forests. Furthermore, UNFF is responsible for advising Member Countries and specialised agencies on issues related to forest conservation. While the recommendation of Forum on Forests to member states is not legally binding; but it has been able to convince the members to adopt the strategies and policy initiatives that resulted in a positive outcome for forest conservation. In addition, the Forum on Forests prepares technical reports and analytical studies, and fosters dialogue to enhance cooperation and coordination on forest issues[ii].The Forum on Forests comprises a Secretariat, Bureau, Ad hoc and expert groups, major groups and collaborative partnership on forest.
The UN Forum on Forests and Climate Change
The relationship between forests and climate change is complex, involving both causes and effects. The health, composition, and distribution of forests are impacted by global climate change. Climate change exacerbates wildfire risk through increased drought, high air temperatures, low relative humidity, dry lighting and strong winds[iii]. Therefore; one of the fundamental objectives of the UN Forum on Forests is to address the challenges of climate change.
Since its inception in 2000, the Forum has concluded several frameworks such as United Nations Forest Instruments in 2007, Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN) and the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030, to oversee forest conservation and climate change. In the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to combat climate change, afforestation, and reforestation process play an important role on which UNFF has taken steps. The six Global Forest Goals and their 26 corresponding targets emphasise increasing efforts to prevent forest degradation; and contribute to addressing climate change.
The UNFF supports countries in developing and implementing strategies to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) and enhance forest carbon stocks. In order to provide a worldwide framework for action at all levels to halt deforestation and forest degradation and to manage all sorts of forests and trees in a sustainable manner, the UNFF recently developed the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 (UNSPF).
Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives
Climate change has no boundaries; it is an international issue and a concern for all. In the context of adaptation and mitigation, the UNFF recommends that the member countries adapt strategies and methods according to their geographical locations and ecosystems to combat climate change. The UNFF has taken the following adaptation and mitigation initiatives;
While many nations are making improvements, it is still insufficient. The Global Forests Goals of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests clearly outline options for mitigating and adapting to forest -related issues. The overall costs of climate mitigation measures are very expensive, so rich countries have the responsibility to transfer technology, finance and other resources to developing countries, which will help to maintain our earth sustainability and reduce climate change
India and the UN Forum on Forests
India is one of the founding members of the UNFF. India has adopted the Forest Instrument in 2007 and submitted a voluntary report to the 11th session of UNFF in 2014, which included the forest related policies, legislation; and law enforcement measures taken by the government of India for forest conservation. In 2023, India hosted the Country-Led Initiatives (CLI) of the UNFF, where the Member countries discussed issues, such as forest fires, forest certification; and sustainable forest management. Recently, India shared its revised National Forest Policy at the 19th session of UNFF held in New York, United States from 6-10 May, 2024. The Policy contains steps and measures focused to address forest fires.
Challenges and the Way Ahead
Climate change has long –lasting impacts on social, economic, and environmental sustainability[v]. For instance, the constant forests fires in the Amazon forests, Australia, and Indonesia forests in every year exacerbating climate change and which required an urgent action through integrated approaches. The UN Forum on Forests has partially failed to provide a preventive approach towards these forests fires. In this context, at the UNFF opening session in May 2024, the discussions centered on achieving the global forest goals, which encompass enhancing forest-based economic, social, and environmental benefits; significantly increasing the area of protected forests; mobilizing financial resources; and promoting governance frameworks to implement sustainable forest management[vi]. The other challenges that adversely affects the work of Forum on Forests is the Illegal logging, limited funding, and a lack of awareness and education. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels, along with enhanced cooperation and support for sustainable forest management and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
Conclusion
It takes a team effort to combat climate change, involving everyone from individuals to multinational organizations. The heterogeneous nature of forest rendered the internationally advocated methods in relation to climate change illogical. Thus, the UN Forum on Forests encourages its member nations to enact specific policies and adapt them to their unique geographic circumstances. For example, there are differences in how climate change affects temperate, dry, rain, and tropical forests. To resolving the issue of climate change without losing the beauty of forests need an integrated approaches, cooperation and synergies with various stakeholders.
*****
*Syamkumar V, Research Associate, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.
References
[i] Mapping the World Forests: How green is our globe? BY World Economic Forum on JAN272003.
[ii] United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, ‘Global Forest Goals and Targets of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030.
[iii] Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo (2023) ,As Wildfires increase , integrated strategies for Forests, Climate and Sustainability are ever more urgent, United Nations.
[iv] United nations Forum on Forests(2019), Forests and Climate Change , UNFF14, Issue Brief ,1-4
[v] Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo (2023) ,As Wildfires increase , integrated strategies for Forests, Climate and Sustainability are ever more urgent, United Nations.
[vi] Himanshu Nitnaware (2024), Combating forest fires in focus on Day 1 of UN forum; India shares revised National Forest Policy, www.downtoearth.org.in