Madagascar commits to restoring 4 million hectares through Reforestation Initiative

In a pivotal gathering at the United Nations Forum on Forests 2025, representatives from Madagascar and the major group for children and youth highlighted urgent commitments to combat deforestation and promote sustainable forest management. The meeting, held on May 6, 2025, served as a platform for discussing global forest challenges and the collaborative efforts needed to address them.

Madagascar's representative announced an ambitious goal to restore 4 million hectares of forest by 2030 as part of the Reforestation Initiative of Africa. This initiative is backed by the establishment of a National Committee for Afforestation and Reforestation, aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the country’s National Reforestation and Afforestation Strategy. The commitment underscores Madagascar's dedication to the United Nations' strategic plan for forests and its broader sustainable development goals.

Meanwhile, the representative for the major group for children and youth emphasized the critical role of diverse stakeholders in forest management. Speaking on behalf of various groups, including NGOs, indigenous peoples, and local authorities, they stressed the interconnectedness of human survival and forest ecosystems. The speaker lamented that many stakeholders were unable to attend the session due to funding and visa issues, highlighting the barriers that limit participation in crucial discussions.

The call for inclusive dialogue resonated throughout the session, with the major group urging for early engagement in forest-related policy planning and implementation. They expressed a strong desire to transform discussions into actionable solutions, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure the sustainability of forests for future generations.

As the forum concluded, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency and determination. The discussions not only reflected the pressing challenges of deforestation and climate change but also the collective resolve to forge a path toward a sustainable future, where forests thrive and humanity benefits from their vital ecosystems.