June 12, 2023 — The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) took a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and joint efforts in addressing environmental challenges by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 12 June 2023. The ceremony, held at the IUCN Asia Regional Office in Bangkok, marked a momentous occasion for both organizations as they embarked on a path of strategic collaboration and shared goals.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from AFoCO and IUCN. The event served as a platform to reaffirm the commitment of AFoCO and IUCN to working together on a range of vital issues related to climate change, biodiversity, and the preservation of forest ecosystems.
AFoCO and IUCN have identified several areas of collaboration under the MoU, including the development of a regional collaborative strategy, joint program implementation, capacity building activities, and mobilizing support for implementing multilateral environmental agreements. The organizations will also actively participate in partnership platforms such as the Landscape Partnership Asia (LPA) and the Asia Protected Areas Partnership (APAP), fostering broader engagement and knowledge exchange among stakeholders in the region.
Dr. Chongho Park, AFoCO Executive Director of AFoCO, emphasized that through the partnership, both organizations would unlock innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of the region and advocate for the protection of biodiversity, the mitigation of climate change, and the sustainable use of land resources. Through joint efforts, AFoCO and IUCN will contribute to the achievement of global sustainability goals and ensure the well-being of future generations.
Looking ahead, AFoCO and IUCN are eager to embark on joint projects, share knowledge and resources, and collectively address the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. The MOU signifies a new chapter of collaboration and underscores the shared commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future for the region’s forests.
Contributed by Hansol Lee, Assistant Program Officer, Strategic Planning
