The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has exposed what it says is a significant gap in knowledge on the links between climate change and forests in Central Africa.
Despite tropical forests being an important source and sink for greenhouse gasses (GHGs), CIFOR has released a study documenting that stakeholders in the region still lack a solid understanding of concepts such as REDD+ and climate change adaptation.
20 October 2014: The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has exposed what it says is a significant gap in knowledge on the links between climate change and forests in Central Africa. Despite tropical forests being an important source and sink for greenhouse gasses (GHGs), CIFOR has released a study documenting that stakeholders in the region still lack a solid understanding of concepts such as REDD+ and climate change adaptation.
In an assessment on the state of knowledge and perceptions on REDD+ in Central Africa, CIFOR polled over 100 stakeholders, revealing that while workshops and projects are building some capacity, more needs to be done. In particular, the study shows knowledge gaps on: basic concepts of climate change, climate change terminology, the impacts of climate change on forests, and the aim and scope of REDD+.
In order to address knowledge gaps, CIFOR recommends that environmental science be better integrated into curricula, training be provided for journalists and communicators, and regular updates on climate change concepts and terminology be provided to decision-makers. CIFOR is part of the CGIAR Consortium. [CIFOR Press Release] [Publication: What are we talking about?: The state of perceptions and knowledge on REDD+ and adaptation to climate change in Central Africa]