• This September, discover the power of African knowledge and action.
• As the climate crisis disproportionately affects the continent, top African scientists and practitioners will convene to drive local solutions for a promising future.
• Meet remarkable local and international leaders working on just and multifaceted approaches to promote sustainable solutions across African landscapes.

Nairobi, Kenya (5 September 2024) – On 17 September, a collective of local, national and international stakeholders will gather to discuss transformative, locally-led landscape solutions to inform policies, build knowledge, and finance and scale up landscape restoration and biodiversity conservation across Africa.

The GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference: Greening the African Horizon will feature leading experts and practitioners in tech and AI, climate, sustainable finance, food systems, social innovation and more, who are setting the continent on the road to a sustainable and prosperous future.

Take a glance at the GLF Africa 2024 lineup:

Ariane Hildebrandt, Director General at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany. She is responsible for global health, equality of opportunity, digital technologies and food security, including population policy, social protection, education, decent work, data and statistics, sustainable supply chains, water, circular economy, agriculture and rural development. Before she joined BMZ, she worked for the German Federal Ministry of Finance and the University of Würzburg, where she obtained her PhD.

Arnold Kipchumba, Director of Environment and Climate Action at MaMa Doing Good, an initiative of the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya. Arnold is a climate and environment professional passionate about building resilient and sustainable communities. He has extensive experience coordinating environment, natural resources, and climate change programs for the 47 county governments in Kenya, and has also designed, monitored and reviewed policies and laws related to those areas.

Benjamin Singer, Senior Forest and Land Use Specialist at Green Climate Fund (GCF). Benjamin supports the design of transformational projects and programs on forests, land use and ecosystems. Prior to this, he worked as a forest financing expert at the United Nations Forum on Forests where he supported countries in mobilizing financing for sustainable forest management. When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, he joined the UN Secretary-General’s Office to support the UN’s pandemic response on financing for development.

Betty Kibaara, Director in the Food Initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation, Africa Regional Office. She leads the Foundations investments in transforming food systems, including increasing access to nutritious foods through school feeding programs. Betty has a Master in Agricultural and Resource Economics from Colorado State University (U.S.) and a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University (Kenya). She advances investments in regenerative agriculture through development of the frass fertilizers from insects.

Catherine Nakalembe, Associate Research Professor at the University of Maryland’s Department of Geographical Sciences and Africa Program Director for NASA Harvest. Her research focuses on developing remote sensing and machine learning applications for smallholder agriculture, early warning of food insecurity, and disaster assessment in Africa. Catherine is an award-winning scientist, earning recognition including the 2022 Highest Civilian Award: The Golden Jubilee Medal-Civilians of Uganda and the 2020 Africa Food Prize.

Charlette N’Guessan, Data Solutions and Ecosystem Lead at AMINI, an African deep tech company addressing data scarcity in the Global South by leveraging space technology and artificial intelligence. Charlette is also an AI expert consultant at APET, the African Union High-Level Group on Emerging Technologies, focusing on shaping the AI governance landscape in Africa. Among her numerous recognitions is being the first woman recipient of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF). Born in Rwanda and raised on three continents, Éliane has a background in agriculture and molecular genetics. She serves on several boards and has been recognized for outstanding contributions to innovation, gender equity and sustainable prosperity creation. Éliane is a member of Rwanda’s National Science and Technology Council and Presidential Advisory Council, among others.

Elizabeth Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Elizabeth has served as Executive Secretary of the Secretariat for the Convention on Biological Diversity, as Director of the Law Division and the Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Division at UNEP, and as the Executive Secretary of the Secretariat for the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. She has also worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President/CEO of the ONE Campaign. Ndidi is an expert on social innovation, African agriculture and nutrition, entrepreneurship and youth development. She has over 25 years of international development experience and is a recognized serial entrepreneur, author, public speaker and consultant. Ndidi started her career as a management consultant in Chicago, New York and Johannesburg and returned to Nigeria in 2000 to lead the FATE Foundation, supporting young entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses.

Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes at the World Resources Institute (WRI). A scientist with extensive research and development experience in Africa for more than 15 years, Susan leads WRI Africa’s work on forest protection and landscape restoration, food systems transformation and water. She is a member of the International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food) and a global ambassador for the Race to Zero and Resilience under the UN High Level Champions for Climate Action.

Rose Mwebaza, Director and Regional Representative of UNEP Africa Office. She has served as the Director and Advisory Board Secretary of the United Nations Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN), the implementation arm of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism. Among other roles, Rose is a Carl Duisburg Research fellow at the World Conservation Union (IUCN), a member of the UN Master Minds, and a founding member of the Network for African Women Environmentalists.

Youba Sokona, Honorary Professor at University College London. With over 40 years of experience addressing energy, environment and sustainable development in Africa, Youba has been at the heart of numerous national and continental initiatives. He was a Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sixth assessment report. He also served as Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III for the fifth assessment report after having been a Lead Author since 1990. Youba is a member of The World Academy of Sciences, among other associations.

Meet all of the speakers here.

GLF Africa 2024 will take place on 17 September 2024, online and in person at the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Explore the full agenda here and register here. Learn more at bit.ly/GLFAfrica2024

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NOTES TO EDITORS

• Apply for a press pass to attend the conference online or in person in English or French
• Stay tuned for conference updates, read key messages from the GLF Africa 2024 themes, access conference images and learn more about the event in our newsroom
• For more information, please contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org)

About the GLF

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable & resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.

The post Meet the visionaries: Leading innovators join GLF Africa 2024 appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

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• On 17 September, Africa’s largest conference on landscape restoration will convene thousands in Nairobi, Kenya, and online
• Leading experts and practitioners will share African solutions for sustainable agrifood systems, a just transition, technology for land use, AI and much more
• The GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference: Greening the African Horizon will be conducted in English, Swahili and French

Nairobi, Kenya (22 August 2024) – On 17 September, Africa will present a sustainable path forward to combat the climate crisis and land degradation, safeguard livelihoods and promote self-determination in rural communities.

The GLF Africa 2024 Hybrid Conference: Greening the African Horizon, presented by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), will convene thousands of participants and hundreds of experts, including leading practitioners, scientists, financiers, policymakers and community leaders, both in person at the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and online.

They will explore how Africa – home to over 30% of the world’s biodiversity – is shaping the future of three key landscapes: forests and savannas, drylands, and freshwater and oceans.

Key topics to be discussed at GLF Africa 2024 include:

• Sustainable agrifood systems: Delivering healthy and sustainable food while ensuring decent livelihoods for farming communities
• Partnerships and finance: Building partnerships to fund Africa’s green transition amid the global climate and biodiversity crises. The continent needs $277 billion in climate finance annually to achieve its climate action goals by 2030
• Governing the just transition: Creating a greener future that leaves no one behind
• Scaling landscape restoration: Enhancing locally-led solutions and innovations to address the degradation of over 45% of Africa’s land area
• Rights and livelihoods in shifting landscapes: Adapting equitably to Africa’s changing landscapes
• Technology and data: Leveraging AI, data and technology for sustainable land use

View the full agenda here, with more sessions to be announced.

Ahead of three major UN conferences later in 2024, leading African and global experts will explore the continent’s unique opportunity to boost local landscape leadership by building upon its vast natural resources, young population and sustainable landscape solutions and innovations.

“We have existing solutions and the tools to develop new ones that the world truly needs. And if we come together, we can go beyond surviving – to thriving,” said Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of CIFOR-ICRAF.

Among the experts joining GLF Africa 2024 are:

• Éliane Ubalijoro, CEO of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
• Elizabeth Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Benjamin Singer, Senior Forest and Land Use Specialist at Green Climate Fund(GCF)
• Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes at World Resources Institute(WRI)
• And more from Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition, The Rockefeller Foundation, FSD Africa, Rights and Resources Initiative, Futurelectand University College London

See the full list of speakers here, with many more to be announced.

Register here for Africa’s biggest conference on landscape restoration in 2024. Learn more at bit.ly/GLFAfrica2024

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NOTES TO EDITORS

• Apply for a press pass to attend the conference online or in person here: English 0r French
• Stay tuned to the conference updates, check key messages about the GLF Africa 2024 themes, access the conference images and learn more on the event’s concept note at our newsroom
• For more information, please contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org)

About the GLF

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable & resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.

The post African minds gather to regreen the continent – and everyone is welcome to join appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

EXPLORE INTERACTIVE REPORT

Highlights

The post Peatlands: The climate solution we champion! appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

• Deforestation and Climate Pressures: Deforestation is slowing, but forests are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related stressors like wildfires and pests, leading to significant carbon emissions.
• Innovation Imperatives: Innovations in technology, policy, social engagement, and finance are critical to enhancing forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
• Inclusive and Responsible Approaches: Addressing barriers to innovation and ensuring inclusive, gender-responsive strategies are essential for equitable and effective forest sector advancements.

The post The State of the World’s Forests 2024 appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

Peatlands:
The climate solution
we forgot champion!

Explore what happened at GLF Peatlands 2024

Peatlands 101

Bolster your knowledge about peatlands 

with our latest ThinkLandscape stories!

What are peatlands, and why do they matter?

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6 ways to save our peatlands
 

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Our top 10 reads on peatlands
 

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5 things you should know about peatlands

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Ready to test your peatland knowledge?

QUIZ!

GLF Peatlands
BY THE NUMBERS

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EVENT PARTNERS

4 TAKEAWAYS

1. Improving capacity for stakeholder collaboration is critical to strengthen landscape management initiatives such as the PEATS Impact Project.
2. Numbers speak volumes. Gathering data on peatland degradation can prompt governments and stakeholders to prioritize conservation.

Let’s do what we can to rebuild a world in which peatlands are not forgotten but recognized and valued for everything they hold.

ÉLIANE UBALIJORO

Chief Executive Officer,
CIFOR-ICRAF

Must-See Speakers

Together, our shared knowledge, research, lived experiences and yearning for a healthier world can catalyze great change. We were fortunate to have many incredible scientists, government officials, landscape leaders, representatives for Peat IMPACTS and others share their insights at GLF Peatlands. 

Click on the photo to watch the speech!

Sonya Dewi Santoso

Director of Asia at Principal Investigator of Peat IMPACTS (ICRAF)

Jochen Flasbarth

State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany

Agus Justianto

Director General of the Sustainable Forest Management, Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia

Emmanuela Shinta

Director & Chapter Coordinator, Ranu Welum Foundation and GLFx Kalimantan

Alfred Okot Okidi

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment at Government of Uganda

Jan Peters

Managing Director at Michael Succow Foundation

Musonda Mumba

Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands

Heike Henn

Director for Climate, Energy and Environment & Commissioner for climate policy and climate financing at German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Franziska Tanneberger

Director at Greifswald Mire Centre

Daniel Murdiyarso

Principal Scientist, CIFOR-ICRAF

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PEATLANDS WORLD TOUR

First we build awareness. Then we take action. Explore insights from peatland conservation and restoration initiatives doing meaningful work worldwide.

Click on the location icon to join a virtual expedition!

The post All you need to know about peatlands in 2024 appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

Bonn, Germany (26 June 2024) – The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) and CIFOR-ICRAF are introducing the Digital Campus, a transformative platform designed for landscape professionals, learners, educators and scientists. This innovative hub will convene learners in a learning experience to drive action toward sustainable landscapes through the latest knowledge, data and research. 

The Digital Campus offers a comprehensive, demand-driven learning experience for local actors and target groups. Later in 2024, it will continue to grow, offering a variety of learning experiences through calls for applications posted on the platform. 

The Digital Campus will feature needs-based and action-oriented learning journeys on integrated and inclusive approaches to governing and managing landscapes. By including case studies and project data from CIFOR-ICRAF, it will bridge the gap between online training and real-world impact. 

“Integrated approaches are widely promoted to tackle the world’s environmental crisis, but few are the opportunities for practitioners to learn how to apply these approaches. The Digital Campus aims to fill this gap by providing a learning space where practitioners can upgrade their knowledge and educators can create curricula to prepare their students to face the challenges of the future,” said Cora van Oosten, Director of Capacity Development & Education at CIFOR-ICRAF. 

By connecting digital content with local action, the Digital Campus aims to strengthen ties among diverse stakeholders and landscapes. It offers an interactive space to share experiences and insights and co-create knowledge. 

Addressing global challenges 

Drawing on the scientific expertise of CIFOR-ICRAF and the GLF’s extensive network, the Digital Campus will focus on nine core themes addressing current global challenges such as the climate crisis and biodiversity loss: 

To learn more about the Digital Campus, contact us here. 

                                                                                ### 

NOTE TO EDITORS 

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org). 

About the Landscape Academy  

The Digital Campus is part of the Landscape Academy, an initiative by the Global Landscapes Forum offering a wide range of opportunities to address global challenges, supporting professionals worldwide to apply landscape approaches effectively in their contexts. It serves thousands of learners, helping them expand their knowledge, connect with peers and shape their careers in sustainable landscape management. Learn more at https://academy.globallandscapesforum.org/ 

About the GLF 

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable & resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org. 

The post Digital Campus: A transformative learning hub for sustainable landscapes appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

French

Bonn, Germany (20 June 2024) – The Congo Basin is one of the world’s most significant wilderness areas and plays a pivotal role in global carbon sequestration. However, this ecosystem is now under threat from deforestation, degradation and the climate crisis.

The world’s second-largest tropical forest sequesters approximately 40 gigatons of carbon annually – roughly equivalent to all of the carbon emissions that humans produce each year, according to the State of the Forests report by the Observatory for Central African Forests (OFAC).

“This is a global issue. The Congo Basin is a major source of rainfall in the Sahel region. A huge proportion of the world’s ecosystem services come from this region,” said Richard Eba’a Atyi, Regional Coordinator for Central Africa at CIFOR-ICRAF, at a forum today in Bonn, Germany.

The forests of Central Africa also provide 75 million people with vital natural resources, spanning Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

“It’s not conservation for conservation’s sake, but for the benefit of the local communities and Indigenous Peoples who live there and their livelihoods and well-being. If we have those forests standing there today, it is because people are taking care of them,” said Dr Aurelie Flore Koumba Pambo, Facilitator at the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP).

Despite their critical importance, the forests of the Congo Basin are being destroyed at an alarming rate, with projections suggesting that they could shrink by 27% by 2050 unless urgent action is taken.

Mining and logging activities are major drivers of deforestation in the region and are often carried out illegally or without concern for sustainability. Experts believe a better understanding of the Congo Basin’s forests is needed to address these root causes.

“It is difficult to manage natural resources if we have no information about them. Science is needed to inform those in charge of decision making, and this requires not only human but also financial resources,” said Eba’a Atyi.

Over the 10-year period from 2008 to 2017, the forest and environment sector in Central Africa accounted for only 11.5% of global financing for the conservation and sustainable management of tropical forests. Experts say urgent action is required to secure funding for the conservation of these high-integrity forests.

The OFAC Hybrid Forum: What is the state of Central African forests?, presented by OFAC and hosted by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), gathered over 700 leading experts, practitioners and policymakers in Bonn, Germany, and online today.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

To watch the experts’ insights on the latest research, opportunities, and solutions for sustainable forest management in the Congo Basin, register here for free.

Find photos of the Congo Basin, the speakers and the OFAC hybrid forum here.

Learn more about Central African forests here: Facts & Figures Protected Areas of Central Africa 2024 (EN) and State of the Forests 2021 (EN and FR).

Interviews are especially encouraged, in English or French, with:

• Christian Ruck, CBFP Facilitator of the Federal Republic of Germany, an expert in sustainable forest management, climate change and forest finance, notably in the context of Germany.
• Florence Palla, Project Coordinator at OFAC RIOFAC, an expert in forest data management and sustainable forest management, especially in the contexts of Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Chad, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola and the Central African Republic.
• Richard Eba’a Atyi, Regional Coordinator for Central Africa at CIFOR-ICRAF, an expert in sustainable forest management, particularly in Cameroon, Congo and Gabon.
• Robert Nasi, Chief Operating Officer, CIFOR-ICRAF, a global expert on forests, advocating for integrated social and biological science for better forest management, more sustainable livelihoods, and improved forest policies.

For more information, photos and quotes, to access the forum recordings, or to arrange interviews or connect with local stories in the Congo Basin, please contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org).

About OFAC

The Observatory of Forests of Central Africa (OFAC), supported by the EU-funded RIOFAC project, is an initiative of the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC), providing essential data and insights into the state of the forests and protected areas within Central Africa. The OFAC aims to support informed decision-making for the sustainable management and conservation of the region’s critical forest ecosystems.

About the GLF

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable & resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.

The post The world’s largest carbon sink at risk, research center warns appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

Among the three largest tropical rainforests globally, only the Congo Basin has remained a strong net carbon sink, absorbing about 0.61 GtCO2e each year (approximately equivalent to Canada’s total GHG emissions annually).  

Although relatively undisturbed compared to other tropical forests, the Congo Basin is at significant risk today, with deforestation and forest degradation increasing quickly. These trends call for protective measures.

Congo Basin countries need to strike a balance between economic growth and natural resource conservation. Additionally, governance and public debt challenges hinder the implementation of regulations or green investments that could protect these forests. 

While several efforts to scale up green finance for forest conservation exist, finance has been largely insufficient to date and does not reflect the ecosystem and climate services it provides. 

Key messages   

This discussion paper, Increasing International Finance Flow to Sustain the Congo Basin’s Forests, proposes six strategies to mobilize public and private finance for sustainable development and forest conservation tailored to the Congo Basin’s characteristics, needs, and priorities:

1. Scaling public finance: Establishing a sustainable forest trust for the Congo Basin. 
2. Increasing fiscal space in Congo Basin countries: Assigning value to the Congo Basin’s natural assets to encourage long-term investments. 
3. Stimulating investments in conservation: Issuing a forest bond linked to new ecosystem payments. 
4. De-risking private investment: Enhancing the use of guarantees in the context of climate finance and green growth. 
5. Investing in pipeline development: Creating an investment and technical assistance facility for environmental markets. 
6. Attracting foreign direct investment: Establishing environmental markets investment promotion agencies in the countries of the Congo Basin. 

Climate Focus developed this discussion paper in collaboration with WWF and the Commission des Forêts d’Afrique Centrale (COMIFAC).  

The post Increasing International Finance Flow to Sustain the Congo Basin’s Forests appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

Bonn, Germany (6 June 2024) – Today, over 1,000 leading experts, practitioners, community members, scientists, policymakers and enthusiasts convened at the GLF Peatlands 2024: The Climate Solution We Forgot a hybrid event held in Bonn, Germany, and online to mobilize action to protect and restore peatlands globally.

Despite covering only up to 4% of the world’s land surface, peatlands store up to 600 million tons of carbon in their soil – twice as much as the Earth’s forests.

Beyond their carbon storage capacity, peatlands offer various ecosystem services, such as flood and wildfire prevention and water filtration. They also provide a haven for biodiversity, and cultural and economic benefits, particularly for Indigenous communities.

Still, they’re being lost three times faster than forests.

“Indigenous traditional land management practices and techniques should be recognized and acknowledged legally. We should promote and implement mutual and equal partnerships and collaborations, at both national and international levels, where Indigenous communities are not just merely considered beneficiaries but the main actors. This can lead us to a more comprehensive understanding and innovative solutions for peatland conservation on a global scale.” – Emmanuela Shinta, Director of Ranu Welum Foundation and Coordinator of the GLFx Kalimantan chapter

“There are some important lessons that we have learned nationally and globally. First, protection is better and usually easier than restoration. We need to act fast to protect the remaining peatlands both in Europe and worldwide. To reflect the true value of peatlands, they also need to play a stronger role in nationally determined contributions. Second, conservation and restoration will not work unless we include local communities and Indigenous Peoples. Third, public funds are an indispensable part of the solution. But we also need to find ways to engage the private sector in the sustainable use of peatlands.” – Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

“As global citizens, we are responsible for ensuring future generations do not suffer the consequences of our actions, but rather reap the benefits. So, let’s harness our collective wisdom for our benefit and for future generations. Let’s do what we can to rebuild a world in which peatlands are not forgotten, but recognized and valued for everything they offer.” – Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of CIFOR-ICRAF and Director General of World Agroforestry

“The first thing we need is partnership. We need to make sure that the issue of peatlands gets attention, gets acknowledged, and gets appreciated at the international level because of the importance that they play in the ecosystems, just like the forests – they actually store even more carbon.”  – Alfred Okot Okidi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment at Government of Uganda

“The role of science is to provide an evidence base for policymaking so that the real benefits in terms of climate mitigation and livelihoods can be measured, planned and implemented well. The big gap is financing. Innovative financing would be a huge benefit to enable restoration and management for the benefit of climate and for the benefit of local communities.”  – Sonya Dewi, Director of Asia, CIFOR-ICRAF

“We need to improve the availability of scientific knowledge, especially concerning soil carbon in peatlands because much of it is not yet being recognized through financial mechanisms; they are still insufficient and unfair. However, it can be improved through the information generated by many research institutions such as CIFOR-ICRAF and others.” – Berioska Quispe, General Director of Climate Change and Desertification at Ministry of Environment of Peru

“Fossil fuel burning is the elephant in the room. The draining and burning of peatlands should be avoided in an inclusive fashion, and efforts should be made to factor in how finance schemes should be involved, because current financial mechanisms being implemented are neither sufficient nor fair.” – Daniel Murdiyarso Principal Scientist at CIFOR-ICRAF

Did you know that:

• Peatlands make up just 3–4% of the Earth’s land area
• Peatlands store twice as much soil carbon as all global forests combined
• Peatlands are the most space-efficient terrestrial carbon sink, but when drained or degraded, they release vast amounts of carbon emissions into the atmosphere
• Peatlands serve a distinct and diverse array of ecosystems and species
• Peatlands are under threat from various human activities, such as agriculture, forestry and peat extraction
• Peatlands are a terrestrial wetland ecosystem characterized by a layer of dead plant material (peat) at its surface.
• One meter peat takes 1,000 years to form; some are over 10 meters deep!
• Most of the world’s peatlands are located in Europe, North America and Russia.
• The world’s largest known expanse of peatland is the Cuvette Centrale, located in the Congo Basin
• Southeast Asia has the largest area of tropical peatland; 23% of it is located in Indonesia

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NOTES TO EDITORS

• Find photos of peatlands and the GLF Peatlands 2024 conference here
• Find GLF Peatlands 2024 branded images of peatlands and speakers in this Trello board
• Find more facts about peatlands in ThinkLandscape
• For more information, photos and quotes; access the conference recordings; arrange interviews or connect with local stories about peatlands in Colombia, Gambia and Indonesia, please contact Kelly Quintero (k.quintero@cifor-icraf.org)

About the GLF

The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, connecting people with a shared vision to create productive, profitable, equitable & resilient landscapes. It is led by the Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry Centre (CIFOR-ICRAF), in collaboration with its co-founders UNEP and the World Bank, and its charter members. Learn more at www.globallandscapesforum.org.

The post Peatlands: The climate solution we forgot – and must urgently protect appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

This report assesses the state of biodiversity finance and recommends new financial mechanisms, focusing on biodiversity-positive carbon credits and nature certificates. It was developed by a High-Level Working Group with support from an Expert Panel.

Key Messages

1. Financial gap: global biodiversity financing needs to increase to $200 billion annually by 2030, while reducing harmful subsidies by $500 billion per year.
2. Innovative instruments: biodiversity-positive carbon credits and nature certificates can help bridge the financing gap and generate private sector interest.
3. Governance and policy: effective governance, clear policies, and institutional frameworks are crucial for market integrity and scaling up finance.
4. IPLC involvement: full participation and benefit-sharing with IPLCs are essential for successful stewardship of forests and biodiversity.
5. Market development: practical metrics, robust verification processes, and demand incentives are needed to develop high-integrity markets.

The post Innovative Finance for Nature and People appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.