This framework serves as a guideline for AU Member States and other African stakeholders in the forestry sector to eliminate deforestation and forest degradation by 2063. The framework creates an enabling environment for collaboration and policy harmonization between Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the African Union Commission, and Member States. It serves as a basis for strengthening, monitoring and reporting at continental level. This framework address the challenges in this sector including week forest and land-use policies; unsustainable forest management practices; competition for land; and settlements. The framework sets critical priority areas to address during the 10 years plan that include: (1) enhancing the value of forests; (2) producing sustainable markets and trade for forest products; (3) developing capacity and knowledge management for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM); (4) developing supportive policies and institutional frameworks for SFM; (5) restoring degraded forests and landscapes for building resilience; and (6) building partnerships and mobilizing resources. By implementing this framework, Africa hopes to stimulate trade, sustain livelihood and boast rural incomes through investments and partnerships in the forest sector. The text is drafted in 5 Parts as follow: Africa’s Forests(1); Prerequisites for Sustainable Forest Management in Africa(2); The Sustainable Forest Management Framework for Africa(3); Opportunities for Implementing the Sustainable Forest Management Framework(4); and Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting on the Implementation of the SFM Framework for Africa(5).
2020-01-01