The Action Plan workshop held on August 22nd, 2024, marked a pivotal step in refining and enhancing AFoCO’s strategic approach to combating deforestation and promoting sustainable forest management across its member countries. Building upon the discussions and insights gathered during the initial workshop, this workshop is expected to represent the interests of each of AFoCO’s member countries. The workshop participants included focal points from member countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Republic of Korea, as well as the AFoCO Secretariat, alongside esteemed participants like Mr. Chencho Norbu, Former AFoCO Executive Director.
One of the central concerns highlighted in the preliminary workshop was the need to integrate carbon credit-related actions into AFoCO’s action plan. This recognition underscores the growing emphasis on leveraging innovative mechanisms to address deforestation and advance climate mitigation efforts within the forestry sector. To delve deeper into the unique challenges and priorities of each member state, AFoCO conducted individual consultations prior to the workshop, ensuring a tailored and inclusive approach to shaping the Action Plan.
During the workshop, several key suggestions emerged to strengthen the Action Plan and steer AFoCO towards impactful outcomes. The workshop proposed setting ambitious targets for forest restoration, aiming to rejuvenate a minimum of 100,000 hectares, including significant provisions for reforestation initiatives. By aiming to contribute to the restoration of 1 million hectares across member countries, AFoCO’s focus on forest land restoration and conservation aligns with broader sustainability objectives.
Moreover, the workshop underscored the importance of community engagement and circular-bio-economy principles in driving impactful change. Introducing the number of program participants or engaged communities as a Key Performance Indicator for assessing the efficacy of community-centered initiatives emphasizes the pivotal role grassroots involvement plays in fostering sustainable environmental practices.
Furthermore, recognizing the critical threats posed by forest fires and pest/disease outbreaks, participants agreed to integrate robust disaster management strategies into the Action Plan. By addressing these pressing challenges proactively, AFoCO aims to equip member countries with the necessary tools and frameworks to safeguard their forest ecosystems effectively.
In conclusion, the Action Plan workshop served as a collaborative platform to harness diverse perspectives, innovative solutions, and strategic recommendations in steering AFoCO’s agenda towards tangible outcomes. By emphasizing targeted restoration goals, community participation, and resilience-building measures, AFoCO is poised to bolster its efforts in combating deforestation and fostering sustainable forest management practices across its member countries.
Submitted by Mr. Rifki M A El Halim, Fellowship Official, Strategic Planning Team
