Organized by COMIFAC Executive Secretariat within the framework of collaboration between OFAC and the MNV regional project implemented by FAO, the regional discussion meeting held in Douala (Cameroon) on July 8-9, 2014 on the improvement of Central African Forest Observatory (OFAC) database supply by different national groups. This meeting was attended by representatives of the different COMIFAC countries, international organizations involved in OFAC, as well as representatives of sub-regional projects and initiatives.

The objectives of the meeting was to share lessons learnt on the appraisal of various national groups, to exchange on partnerships for data sharing, to determine support actions to national groups which shall help to improve databases and finally, to complete national data relating to the Appendices to State of the Forests (EDF) 2013 under finalisation and monographs on protected areas.

Four main points marked this great rendezvous, including: An opening ceremony during which the different participants were given the opportunity to introduce themselves individually, following an introductory summary on OFAC. The second main point was marked by different presentations on OFAC, an appraisal of the situation of different national groups (this helped to highlight difficulties encountered), follow up of data collection and an appraisal of OFAC databases supply by countries from 2008 to 2013.

Participants were also given the opportunity to reflect on topics relating to the functioning of OFAC. It was also a time for them to propose solutions to the difficulties encountered by national groups in the implementation of their activities. From this group work, some recommendations were formulated and addressed to OFAC Unit itself (COMIFAC), the different national groups and governments of different countries.

The closing ceremony was an opportunity for the COMIFAC Assistant Executive Secretary to appreciate the laudable participation of the different national groups by congratulating them for their dynamism and enthusiasm in the exchange which marked the course of the work.

For more information, please download the final communiqué below: