GEF-7 Corporate Scorecard
This publication outlines the GEF’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a snapshot of progress toward operational goals, and in support of enhanced fiduciary oversight and safeguards of environmental projects.
Working in the COVID-19 era: An unfailing commitment to forested landscapes – CIFOR
At the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) scientists are learning to adapt to the new reality of COVID-19.
Some offices and hubs have partially and cautiously re-opened, but the majority of our colleagues – both staff and consultants – are working remotely.
Although our research has been curtailed due to lockdowns, border closures and physical distancing measures, limited fieldwork operations are now underway.
A new task force, building on a pre-existing internal risk-management structure, has been created to help gather data and develop guidelines for conducting research during the pandemic.
CIFOR-ICRAF is collaborating with sister organization, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), to support the government of Kenya’s testing capacity for COVID-19.
Through engagement with the country’s Ministry of Health, ILRI and CIFOR-ICRAF laboratories, equipment, staff and services have been offered to assist national efforts.
Communications remain a priority; we continue to publish results in scientific journals and on our own platforms, while hosting and participating in a plethora of online webinars and conferences.
Altogether, since March, when the pandemic lockdown began, more than 200 blogs have been published on Forests News in four languages, while reach on our social media portals is 6.7 million — with an average reach on Twitter of 1.3 million every week.
Partners News
Putting traditional knowledge to work for the planet -GEF7
GEF-convened civil society consultations focused on the need to prioritize voices of indigenous peoples and to integrate traditional knowledge into efforts to conserve biodiversity, address climate change, and combat other threats.
A new guide to sustainably manage wildlife in Central African production forests - Atibt
In collaboration with the Forest is life scientific team from the Faculty Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (University of Liège), Nature + published at the end of 2020 a book entitled "Development and implementation of a management plan de la fauna - Technical guide for managers of production forests in Central Africa ”.
Engaging with the private sector for greater impact – thegef
Since the landmark Paris Agreement of 2015, there has been a dramatic increase in private sector interest and action related to climate change. In just five years, hundreds of companies have set targets to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and have outlined science-informed plans to achieve them.
The bold plan to save Africa's largest forest – BBC
The Congo Basin contains the world's second-largest rainforest, crucial for regulating the world's climate. Inside it, a plan to halt the forest's decline is bearing fruit.
Feedback on the Sino-African meeting organized by CTWPDA and ATIBT the 17th and 18th December on Sustainable Timber - ATIBT
The Sino-African Sustainable Timber Online B2B Meeting jointly organized by China Timber & Wood Products Distribution Association (CTWPDA) and the International Tropical Timber Association (ATIBT), was successfully held on 17-18th December.
CBFP Meeting - GIZ Side event: "Experiences of taking into account human rights in the processes of sustainable management of forests and protected areas in the COMIFAC area".
Organized on the sidelines of the 8th Meeting of the CBFP's Governing Council, the Side Event on "Experiences in taking into account human rights in the processes of sustainable management of forests and protected areas in the COMIFAC area" was an appropriate opportunity for the different programs, projects and non-governmental organizations involved in biodiversity conservation activities and protection of indigenous heritage, including REPALEAC, GIZ-BGF, GIZ-COMIFAC and GIZ-COMIFAC-BSB-Yamoussa to share success stories, key challenges and work sites they are facing.
Conserving Africa’s wildlife and wildlands through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond
Here, we describe how the crisis creates a perfect storm of reduced funding, restrictions on the operations of conservation agencies, and elevated human threats to nature. We identify the immediate steps necessary to address these challenges and support ongoing conservation efforts.
The Facilitator of the Federal Republic of Germany of the CBFP, Honorable Dr Christian Ruck wishes you the best for the year 2021!
In this festive season at the end of the year 2020, we are pleased to get back to you to express our appreciation, because from our interactions during this year 2020 that is drawing to a close, we have benefited from your diverse and rich contributions and proactive engagements that have enriched and enhanced our joint partnership. Together, we have moved forward and the successful implementation of the CBFP meetings in Kinshasa has confirmed this conviction. This is our joint success! Together, we have moved forward! Together, we have raised the standard of the Congo Basin and its peripheries.
Chad: renewed clashes between herders and farmers leave 11 dead in the South - koaci
Renewed clashes between herders and farmers have reportedly left 11 dead in southern Chad. Eleven people were killed in fresh clashes between herders and farmers in southern Chad, which is gripped by deadly conflicts between the two communities.
Side event ICCN-GIZ: Community conservation as a solution to the sustainability of conservation and local development actions: Standard-setting tools for PA management, the experience of ICCAs in the DRC
A side event was organized on Thursday 10 December, in room Panorama 3 of the Fleuve Congo Hotel in Kinshasa. Held on the sidelines of the 8th CBFP Council and its related meetings, the side event was entitled 'Community conservation as a possible solution to the sustainability of conservation and local development actions: Standard-setting tools for managing PAs, the experience of ICCAs in the DRC '. Moderated by Ms. Sarah Mam-bu, participants in the event discussed community conservation approaches that can help reconcile biodiversity conservation with local development.
Achievements in 2020 and prospects – 17th Board Meeting– CAFI
For the third time this year, over 80 people - donors, partner countries, agencies and technical experts – met online from November 9 to 13 for CAFI’s 17th Board meeting. Assessing progress and charting a path towards a new phase for CAFI phas...
Forestry and Environment Ministers of COMIFAC member countries resume hiring of COMIFAC statutory staff
Convened by the Cameroon Minister of Forests and Wildlife, Acting Chairman of the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC), with the support of the Federal Republic of Germany, Facilitator of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), an extraordinary session of the Council of Forestry and Environment Ministers of the COMIFAC member countries was held on 10 December 2020 in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the wings of the 8th CBFP Council meeting.
The Sahel G5 takes part in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) - sahel g5
The Executive Secretary of the Sahel G5 took part in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA), held on 1 December 2020 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and chaired by Mr. M. Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resources of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
Sustainable forest management in the DRC: participatory approaches for resilient development of local communities
A side event entitled “Sustainable forest management in the DRC”, was held on 10 December 2020 within the framework of the 8th CBFP Council and its related meetings, with a view to exploring specific themes with stakeholders active in the field of biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.
Community forestry in Cameroon to test other non-logging models – CIFOR
In 1994, Cameroon became the first Congo Basin country to adopt the concept of "community forestry" in its legal framework, allowing rural populations to secure land as a non-permanent forest domain for income-generating activities, based on a simple management plan validated by the administration. In conducting these activities, most of the community forests have opted for timber production, which is often favored by rural populations as the fastest route to significant income.
Blue economy/CCBC-F2BC: Ministers validate final report of the Blue Fund's preliminary study - Afriquenvironnementplus
From 1 to 2 December, the city of Brazzaville hosted an in-person and video conference, the 4th Steering Committee meeting of the Congo Basin Blue Fund’s preliminary study (F2BC) and ministerial segment during which the results of the study and the roadmap for the operation of the Blue Fund were presented for validation by the Environment ministers of the CCBC-F2BC countries.
Second edition of the special CBFP Civil Society College Day: sharing of success stories and looking forward to upcoming climate and biodiversity events
On 8 December 2020, the second edition of the special Civil Society College Day of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) was held at the Pullman Hotel in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Press release and minutes of the second session of the Tripartite Supervision and Arbitration Committee (CTSA) on the Ndjamena Anti-poaching tripartite agreement between Cameroon, CAR and CHAD
At the invitation of Mr. Jules Doret NDONGO, Minister of Forestry and Wildlife of Cameroon, Acting Chairman of the N’Djamena Anti-poaching Tripartite Agreement of (N'Djamena AT6LAB of 2013) between Cameroon, CAR and Chad, the expert meeting in view of the second session of the Tripartite Supervision and Arbitration Committee (CTSA) of the N’Djamena AT-LAB between Cameroon, CAR and Chad took place on 8 December 2020 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Climate: Civil society organizations from five Congo Basin member countries to speak with one voice at COP 26 - Environews-rdc
Members of civil society organizations in the Congo Basin sub-region met Wednesday 09 December in Kinshasa to discuss relevant strategies and resolutions that will go into their common position during the Conference of the Parties on the Climate next year in Glasgow, England.
Cameroon - MINFOF: First country in the sub-region to make the use of legal origin wood mandatory for its public contracts
ARTICLE 1. - (1) This decree shall lay down the terms and conditions for the use of wood of legal origin in public procurement. (2) It shall apply to public procurement initiated by the State and other legal persons governed by public law.
Fourth ordinary session of the Tri National Supervisory and Arbitration Committee (CTSA) of the Sangha Tri-National (TNS)
The fourth ordinary session of the Tri-national Supervisory and Arbitration Committee (CTSA) was organized on December 9 in Kinshasa, on the sidelines of the 8th Council meeting of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP). Please download the Final press release of the meeting…
Minutes of High-Level Political Dialogue between members of the CBFP Regional and the members of the Donor College
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo – 10 December 2020: A High-level dialogue was held between the members of the CBFP Regional College (member States, COMIFAC and ECCAS) and the Technical and Financial partners who belong to the CBFP Donor College.
The minutes of the 8th meeting of the CBFP Governing Council are available for download!
Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) - 11 December 2020 – the CBFP Council held its eighth meeting. The gathering was chaired by the Honourable Dr Christian Ruck, CBFP Facilitator of the Federal Republic of Germany, co-chaired by His Excellency Mr. Jules Doret Ndongo, Cameroon Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Acting Chairman of COMIFAC and hosted by: His Excellency Barrister Claude NYAMUGABO BAZIBUHE, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
TRANSHUMANCE DAY SIDE-EVENT: Multidisciplinary approach to pacific management of cross-border transhumance aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence
The "Transhumance Day" side event was held on 9 December 2020, in the Kinshasa meeting room of the Congo River hotel. The day was devoted to strategic reflection on the topic of peaceful transhumance and gathered experts from the different geographical blocs established as part of the implementation of the N’DJAMENA Declaration. During the meeting, participants were presented a roadmap and a logical framework, which had been developed during previous working sessions.
Poor governance fuels ‘horrible dynamic’ of deforestation in DRC - Mongabay
There’s a saying in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that refers to “Article 15,” a nonexistent paragraph of the country’s constitution during the Mobutu Sese Seko dictatorship in the 1970s. It stands for “figure it out yourself” and acknowledges the wide spread of corruption, implying that people cannot rely on the state to survive.
Partnership agreement between ATIBT and the Tropical Timber team from CIRAD – ATIBT
This agreement, which has just been signed by the two establishments, covers the implementation of technical activities relating to tropical timber, its processing and its uses.
7th annual STTC meeting, in Visio conference – Atibt
The 7th annual STTC conference was held on 19 November on the theme "Holding the line and moving forward: roots for green recovery". The STTC team was delighted with this interactive and stimulating online event and thanks the participants for their presence and the ideas shared.
Review of the 12th Joint Implementation Committee of the FLEGT VPA in the Republic of Congo – Atibt
The Joint Implementation Committee took place on November 25 and 26, 2020 in the conference room of the Ministry of Forest Economy in Brazzaville and was co-chaired by Mrs. Rosalie MATONDO, Minister of Forest Economy and Mr. Raul MATEUS PAULA, Ambassador Head of the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Congo.
Press release- Expert Technical Segment of the 8th CBFP Governing Council Meeting
The Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) Facilitation of the Federal Republic of Germany in close collaboration with the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hosted the Expert Technical Meeting alongside the 8th meeting of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) Council from 8 to 9 December 2020 in Kinshasa, DRC.
Impact of a Media Campaign on Consumers’ Purchasing Intentions of Legal Timber in Cameroon
This study provides critical inputs to frame future media campaign messages and, by demonstrating some consumers’ interest in legal timber, to strengthen the domestic legitimacy of policies such as the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade.
Report of the 3rd ATIBT Think Tank - Videoconference, November, 2-3 2020 - ATIBT
The 3rd ATIBT Think Tank on the theme "What future for certified companies in the Congo Basin" took place on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2020, by videoconference. Since its creation in May 2018, the Think Ttank has been supported by the ATIBT marketing program.
Evaluation Review of CIFOR's Global Comparative Study on REDD+
Efeca is currently undertaking a final evaluation review of this phase of CIFOR's Global Comparative Study (GCS) on REDD+ (2016-2020). This is an opportunity for you to express your opinions...
Edible Insects in Africa in Terms of Food, Wildlife Resource, and Pest Management Legislation - Article
As any other foodstuff, insects should be regulated by the government to ensure product quality and consumer safety. The goal of the present paper was to assess the current legal status of edible insects in Africa. For that, corresponding authorities were contacted along with an extensive online search, relying mostly on the FAOLEX database.
Climate Ambition Summit 2020 - IISD
Several countries and financial institutions made new climate finance-related pledges, including: the United Kingdom, which pledged to double its climate finance contribution to USD 15.5 billion over the next five years; and the European Investment Bank, which announced a goal of 50% of investments going toward the climate and environment sectors by 2025.