15 February 2019: In preparation for the 14th session of the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF 14), the UNFF Secretariat released a background note that shares information on how various organizations and stakeholders have advanced cooperation, coordination and engagement on forest-related issues as part of efforts to advance implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 (UNSPF), achievement of the global forest goals and targets, and the SDGs.

The background note titled, ‘Enhanced Cooperation, Coordination and Engagement on Forest-related Issues’ (E/CN.18/2019/6), aims to support UNFF discussions related to the activities of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), UNFCCC and implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, with an emphasis on enhancing coherence and synergies. The note also reflects on cooperation, coordination and engagement with regional and sub-regional partners and major groups and other stakeholders, including reaffirming that effective implementation of sustainable forest management (SFM) depends on contributions of all relevant stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, forest owners, the private sector, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The post-2020 global biodiversity framework should be fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda, UNSPF and the global forest goals.

On the Paris Agreement, the note shares progress in implementation of the Paris Agreement, and highlights synergies between the Paris Agreement and the UNSPF. The note states it should be possible to use the same information on forest contributions in reporting to both the Paris Agreement and the UNFF on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and voluntary national contributions, respectively. The note further suggests considering synergies for subsequent submissions of NDCs, noting that a common timeframe for subsequent NDCs will be implemented beginning in 2031.

On the CBD, the note states that most Aichi Biodiversity Targets are not on track to be achieved by 2020. The note further observes that the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Targets were adopted before the UNSPF and the global forest goals, meaning that current national plans and targets adopted by national governments to implement the CBD do not reflect global forest goals. In advance of the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the CBD, the Convention Secretariat will work with Parties to define the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, which, the note states, should be “fully aligned” with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, UNSPF and the global forest goals. Areas of alignment include: forest conservation, including under protected areas and other area-based conservation measures; benefits from forests; restoration of forest ecosystems; and reduction of the loss, degradation and fragmentation of natural forests, including through REDD+.

To advance greater cooperation and collaboration to achieve SFM, the note recommends addressing persistent challenges such as different modalities and working mandates of participating organizations, overlap and competing interests and lack of resources for coordinated or joint efforts. The note also suggests: areas for enhanced cooperation and coordination, including through the development of a workplan and joint initiatives with the partnerships; and further engagement with regional and sub-regional organizations, among other engagements. The note suggests that UNFF 14 emphasize: the importance of enhancing synergies and collaboration in advancing coherent implementation and achievement of the UNSPF, the Paris Agreement, the Aichi Targets, voluntary national contributions and NDCs; and the need to continue to address interlinkages between forests and the SDGs, including through input to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). [Enhanced Cooperation, Coordination and Engagement on Forest-related Issues]