24 September 2014: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) convened a colloquium, titled ‘New Thinking for Transformational Change,’ where scientists and thought leaders discussed the future forest research agenda in light of climate change and the declarations and commitments made during the Climate Summit 2014.

Colloquium presentations addressed issues such as the role of forests in sustainable energy supplies, the need for a better understanding of climate change impacts on whole landscapes such as the Amazon, the importance of enhancing rural livelihoods during the transformation to a green economy, and the challenge of coordinating sectors and governance frameworks for sustainable development.

With regard to agriculture and forests, panelists called for the empowerment and engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities in sustainable forest management and in building sustainable supply chains. Panelists also called for researchers and donors to address the fragmentation of agendas throughout research programmes examining the interactions of agriculture and forests.

Speaking at the event, Peter Holmgren, CIFOR Director General, said that there was a “general lack of complementarity in declarations that came out of the [Climate] Summit that addressed various aspects of climate change.” He noted that, “This sectoral-based approach can impede progress on fighting climate change—a problem that encompasses all sectors.”

Event participants also identified key needs including a framework for data sharing, stronger partnerships between local communities and other users of information and the researchers who are generating it, and agreement on a common language and vision across landscapes when considering climate change.

The colloquium was convened in partnership with the Earth Institute, Columbia University. CIFOR is a member of the CGIAR consortium. [Colloquium Website] [CIFOR TV] [CIFOR Blog]