Philippines commits to sustainable forestry and climate resilience at global conference

In a vibrant gathering of global leaders, the Forum on Forests 2025 (UNFF20) brought together representatives from various nations to discuss pressing issues surrounding forest management and climate resilience. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as delegates shared their commitments and strategies to combat climate change through sustainable forestry practices.

The Republic of Congo took center stage, highlighting its dedication to participatory management and transparency in forest governance. A new forest code was announced, aimed at supporting rural communities and indigenous populations while enhancing the fight against climate change. The country also emphasized its voluntary partnership program with the European Union, which ensures the legality and traceability of timber. Despite these advancements, challenges in financing remain a significant hurdle for the Republic of Congo, underscoring the complexities of implementing effective forest management strategies.

Following this, the Philippines expressed its unwavering commitment to sustainable forest management and the achievement of global forest goals. The nation is actively working on a master plan for climate change-resilient forestry development, integrating it with broader climate policies to address the escalating impacts of climate change. A notable achievement shared was the rehabilitation of over 2.2 million hectares of degraded forest lands and the planting of nearly 1.9 billion seedlings since 2011.

In a bold initiative, the Philippines launched the "Forest for Life" program, aiming to plant five million indigenous trees by engaging the private sector, civil society, and local communities. This initiative is proposed as a voluntary national contribution to global forest goals. Additionally, the Philippines is designating one million hectares of forest land for sustainable investment, with plans to launch tailored investment portfolios by mid-2025.

The country is also advancing its forest carbon investments in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, focusing on the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. A national registry for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) is being developed to ensure transparency and alignment with global carbon markets, which will support forest-based mitigation activities and unlock international climate finance.

As discussions unfolded, it became clear that while significant strides are being made in forest management and climate resilience, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. The commitment of nations like the Republic of Congo and the Philippines reflects a growing recognition of the vital role forests play in combating climate change and supporting sustainable development. The outcomes of this forum will undoubtedly shape the future of global forestry efforts as nations strive to balance ecological health with economic growth.