The editorial of canadian facilitator

Dear partners and friends,

After the USA (2003-2004), France (2005-2007) and Germany (2008-2010), CBFP facilitation is now led by Canada for the 2010-2012 period. Although it is a privilege for me to issue this editorial to you on the behalf of the entire Canadian Facilitation team, I wish to let you know that with me is a dynamic and devoted team deeply rooted in the Congo Basin forests. I wish to appreciate the Associate Facilitator, in charge of communications and the Canadian counselors on the field.

In line with the achievements of previous facilitations, Canada shall endeavour to improve on the CBFP coordination potential and to fully develop its place as a dialogue forum for all stakeholders in the forestry sector. Let me recall here the beginning of the CBFP in Johannesburg, when for many it was a mere unconsolidated coming together of lenders, government agencies in charge of the Congo Basin forest ecosystems and non governmental organizations. Today, the CBFP is a much more effective, efficient network, and which is recognized as such both at regional and international levels. The worth of the CBFP is henceforth fully acknowledged as a unique sub-regional communication tool; a transmission belt between lenders and the Congo Basin development partners; a dialog platform among various partners. However, all is not perfect and the way is still long in order to achieve the goal of the CBFP, especially: to improve the effectiveness of technical and financial contributions for the conservation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems, as well as to eradicate poverty in Central African countries.

As indicated in our action plan, the Canadian Facilitation shall continue to encourage members to improve on their technical and financial contributions for conservation, the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and poverty eradication in Central African countries focusing on three main aspects:

1.        Supporting policies and their harmonization in Central Africa

2.        Supporting COMIFAC and its local partners

3.        Strengthening governance and CBFP achievements

With the great conventions of Rio, the Congo Basin ecosystems have been assigned important continental, and even global mandates, be it for world climate, the protection of biodiversity or the vulnerability of populations. These missions imply for us all, COMIFAC member countries, donor countries, technical and financial partners, local populations, limit holders, users of tropical wood and non-wood forest products, the obligation to concert and agree on the actions to undertake for the sustainable management of the Congo Basin. At a time when economic development is a necessity for the Congo Basin countries, challenges are great and time is short; we must act now, together, responsibly and in harmony. Much has been done. Multilateral agreements concerning protected areas, the fast growth of certified exploitations, voluntary partnership agreements and other initiatives are important assets we need to build on.

Dear partners, you will be invited by the Canadian Facilitation to take certain harmonization measures. Let me assure you of the entire collaboration and commitment of the Canadian Facilitation in support of your actions in favour of this heritage of humanity, the Congo basin.

Gaston Grenier

CBFP Facilitator