29 June 2012: The First International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO)-Forestry Research Network of SubSaharan Africa (FORNESSA) Regional Congress took place on the theme, “Forests and Trees: Serving the People of Africa and the World.” The draft Nairobi Resolution, containing key needs for enhancing goods and services from forests and trees in African landscapes, was presented to participants at the end of the Congress.

Participants were invited to review the draft on the IUFRO website and propose any necessary amendments to it.

The Congress took place from 25–29 June 2012, in Nairobi, Kenya. It was held in conjunction with the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)/African Forest Forum (AFF) Forest Policy Day, which took place on 28 June 2012, on the theme, “The Policy/Science Interface for Sustainable Forest Management in Africa.”

Focusing on issues relating to the conservation, sustainable management, and use of forest and tree resources in the African region, the overall aim of the Congress was to show how forest science impacts livelihoods, environmental management and development in Africa. It provided an opportunity for forest scientists, forest managers and policymakers from Africa and around the world to share and exchange information and experiences on some of the critical issues affecting forest and wildlife resources in Africa.

During the Congress, participants convened in plenary and breakout technical sessions organized around six specific themes: forests and climate change; forests and water; forest policy, governance and trade; forest biodiversity and conservation; agroforestry, energy and food security; and education, training and institutional capacity building. [IISD RS Earth Negotiations Bulletin Coverage] [IISD RS Earth Negotiations Bulletin Summary]