15 September 2015
WFC XIV Concludes Setting out a 2050 Vision for Forests
story highlights

Held from 7-11 September 2015, in Durban, South Africa, the fourteenth World Forestry Congress (XIV WFC) concluded with a declaration setting out a vision for 2050 that sees forests playing a decisive role for food security, improved livelihoods and in the fight against climate change.

The meeting also issued messages to the UN Sustainable Development Summit, and the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Panelists-for-the-Innovation-and-Investment Forum11 September 2015: Held from 7-11 September 2015, in Durban, South Africa, the fourteenth World Forestry Congress (XIV WFC) concluded with a declaration setting out a vision for 2050 that sees forests playing a decisive role for food security, improved livelihoods and in the fight against climate change. The meeting also issued messages to the UN Sustainable Development Summit and the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The resulting ‘Durban Declaration’ also calls for forests and trees to be integrated with other land uses, such as agriculture, in order to address the causes of deforestation and conflict over land. It outlines a series of actions needed to realize the 2050 vision, including further investment in forest education, communication, research and the creation of jobs, especially for young people. It stresses the need for new partnerships among the forest, agriculture, finance, energy, water and other sectors, and strong engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities.

In addition to the Declaration, the WFC issued messages to the UN Sustainable Development Summit and the UNFCCC COP. The Congress stressed that while Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 addresses the need to sustainably manage forests, trees and forests are also a key to achieving several of the other 16 SDGs, including those related to ending poverty, achieving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring sustainable energy for all. In the message to the UNFCCC COP, WFC participants recommended a set of actions that include increasing understanding among governments and other stakeholders of both the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents. In particular, it was highlighted that responses to climate change can present new opportunities for forests, such as additional sources of financing and greater political support for forest governance.

The Congress also saw the launch of an international five-year forests and water action plan to recognize the role of trees and forests in maintaining the water cycle, and to ensure appropriate management of one of the world’s largest sources of freshwater.

Almost 4,000 delegates from 142 countries attended XIV WFC, including representatives from civil society, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities and the private sector as well as around 30 ministers and deputy ministers. During five days of plenary and thematic sessions under the general theme ‘Forests and People: Investing in a Sustainable Future,’ participants considered, among many issues: the role of forests in socioeconomic development and food security; building resilience with forests; integrating forests and other land uses; encouraging product innovation and sustainable trade; monitoring forests for better decision making; and improving governance by building capacity. [IISD RS Coverage of XIV WFC] [FAO Press Release] [Durban Declaration] [Message on the SDGs] [Message on Climate Change] [FAO Daily Highlights]


related events