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Forum Annuel_ODJ annoté_EN.pdf (99.4 KiB)

The search for a solution: Can land use planning be a catalyst for sustainable and forest-friendly economic development in Central African countries?

Oslo, Norway: On Friday June 29, the Central African Forest Initiative will host a high-level forum on Land use planning (LUP) as an essential tool for integrated, inclusive and sustainable development.

Why is this so important? To ensure the successful implementation of development and economic diversification programs, primarily based on sectors related to land use(agriculture, forestry, mining, oil, energy, tourism, etc.), through spatial planning policies that respect the forest and its role in   fighting climate change.

The objective of the first CAFI Forum is to encourage discussions amongst regional stakeholders towards the co-construction of a new approach to development, one where forest areas are effectively managed and protected, promoting sustainable AND economic prosperity.

Given that territory in Central African Forest countries is strongly dominated by forest cover (from 41 to 93%), land management and LUP are closely linked to the
management of forest areas. This is why CAFI supports its partner countries in developing and consolidating land-use planning policies that align current and future sector development plans with land and forest availability. This has already started with the DRC programme to support LUP reform and the anticipated support to Gabon to achieve the milestones of its letter of Intent with CAFI.

Key questions for participants from the 6 CAFI partner countries will include:

• How can we reconcile agricultural development and the sustainability of the forest as a resource, in the face of decreasing food security?
• What value does the forest have as a resource in the face of a growing demand for space for development needs?
• Is legislation enough to put an end to the sectoral mosaic of the forest estate?
• What LUP needs and tools, and at which levels of territorial governance, are required to direct land use toward greater sustainability?

For more Information, please consult the following PDF Documents: