AFF in the media – African Forest Forum

As Cameroon prepares for the African Cup of Nations, trees fall

YAOUNDE (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Cameroon has cut thousands of hectares of forest to build stadiums, hotels, roads and housing to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations - a move that could lead to worsening urban flooding and droughts, the country’s environmental groups warn. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-forest-soccer/as-cameroon-prepares-for-the-african-cup-of-nations-trees-fall-idUSKCN1IX3PO

African Forest Forum warns on dangers of deforestation

The African Forest Forum (AFF) has charged all stakeholders to come together to address the delicate situation of deforestation in Africa because of its dangerous consequence on human existence. The Executive Secretary of AFF, Professor Godwin Kowero gave the charge in Osogbo, capital of Osun State during a workshop with the theme "Modelling Climate and Applications to the Forestry Sector," which took place at the Osun state University, Osogbo. https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/african-forest-forum-warns-on-dangers-of-deforestation.html

African Forest Forum urges sustainable forest management

A pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, African Forest Forum (AFF), has called for a sustainable forest management in Africa, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Mr Godwin Kowero, the Executive Secretary of AFF, made the call at the opening of the forum’s training Programme with the theme ‘ Modelling Climate and Applications to the Forestry Sector,’ on Monday in Osogbo. https://www.von.gov.ng/african-forest-forum-urges-sustainable-forest-management/

Climate change: African Forest Forum calls for sustainable forest management

A pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, African Forest Forum (AFF), has called for a sustainable forest management in Africa, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Mr Godwin Kowero, the Executive Secretary of AFF, made the call at the opening of the forum’s training Programme with the theme ‘ Modelling Climate and Applications to the Forestry Sector,’ on Monday in Osogbo. The workshop, held at the premises of Osun State University, had participants drawn from 17 African countries. https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2018/04/09/climate-change-african-forest-forum-calls-for-sustainable-forest-management/

Africa Forest Forum: UNIOSUN to host delegates from 16 Countries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AULQrP-D2gs

African Forest Forum explores modelling climate change in forestry sector

African Forest Forum, a pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, is leading the way in empowering stakeholders in the forestry sector to develop strategies for sustainable forest management and the fight against climate change. The organisation says sustainable forest management in Africa is imperative to mitigate the effects of climate change. But the capacities of professional and technical stakeholders in African forestry sector have to be strengthened to permit for better forest management. http://climatereporters.com/2018/04/african-forest-forum-explores-modelling-climate-change-in-forestry-sector/

AFF Schools stakeholders in modeling and applying climate to forestry sector

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (PAMACC News) - African Forest Forum, a pan-African Non-Governmental Organisation, is leading the way in empowering stakeholders in the forestry sector to develop strategies for sustainable forest management and the fight against climate change. http://pamacc.org/index.php/k2-listing/item/834-aff-schools-stake-holders-in-modeling-and-applying-climate-to-forestry-sector

UNIOSUN Hosts African Forest Forum Workshop In Osogbo

Osun State University, Osogbo has successfully hosted the workshop of the African Forest Forum on forest, climate and environmental matters. The workshop was attended by stakeholders on forest issues drawn from 17 African countries and they expressed the need for full commitment to the sustainability of the environment. The Executive Secretary of AFF, Prof. Godwin Kowero, charged all stakeholders to come together to address the delicate situation of deforestation in Africa because of its dangerous consequence on human existence. https://theeagleonline.com.ng/uniosun-hosts-african-forest-forum-workshop-in-osogbo/

Changement climatique: L’Organisation Non Gouvernementale African Forest Forum (AFF) appelle à une gestion durable des forêts.

C’est dans le but d’aborder les concepts et principes de base de la modélisation du climat dans les sous-régions de l’Afrique de l’ouest que l’Organisation Panafricaine Non Gouvernementale, African Forest Forum (AFF) a organisé un atelier de formation à l’Université de l’Etat d’Osun au Nigeria, Etat membre de la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest CEDEAO. M. Godwin Kowero, Secrétaire exécutif de l'AFF, a lancé l'appel à l'ouverture du programme de formation du forum sur le thème «Modélisation du climat et des applications au secteur forestier» lors de l’atelier qui réunit des participants de 17 pays africains. http://www.elavox.info/crbst_8.html

Looming water crisis a threat to growth goals

A report has warned of a looming water crisis linked to the massive forest destruction. Forest and Water on a Changing Planet: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Governance Opportunities’ says no attention has been paid to the importance of forests and trees in the water cycle. It warns that the problem will complicate attainment of sustainable development goals. “Forests’ role in the water cycle is at least as important as their role in the carbon cycle in the face of climate change. In addition to being the lungs of the planet, they also act as kidneys,” the report reads. It says focusing on the forests-water-people-climate links “wisely, comprehensively and expeditiously” is crucial for long-term wellbeing and survival.The report is a global assessment prepared by the Global Forest Expert Panel — an initiative of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests led by the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO). The Kenya Forestry Research Institute, World Agroforestry Centre, African Forest Forum, African Network for Agriculture and Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education are members of the IUFRO. The report is to be launched today at the UN’s high-level political forum on sustainable development in New York. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/07/10/looming-water-crisis-a-threat-to-growth-goals_c1784113

Experts call on African governments to prioritize conservation of forests

Published on May 23, 2017

Environmental experts are calling on African countries to conserve their forests in order to avoid erratic changes in weather patterns. The experts made the call at the opening of the Africa Forest Forum at Entebbe. The participants also stressed the need to control pests and diseases on the continent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRsLeLbePYQ

Weak monitoring systems are a threat to the future of Africa's forests, say experts

Published on May 24, 2017

The absence and weakness of quality control systems in monitoring tree seed quality is a threat to the future of forests on the African continent. Experts at the Africa forest forum being held in Entebbe argue that general lack of awareness about what constitutes quality tree germ plasm or seedlings is alarming and few policy regulations are in place to ensure only quality germ plasm enters the market. This situation among other challenges according to Michael Mugisha the Executive Director National Forestry Authority, Uganda can be partly averted by ensuring certification of forests and seed producers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgF2dyHLezY

African Dialogue, 23 May African Forest Forum

Channel Africa

The African Forest Forum is currently underway in Entebbe Uganda, where a regional workshop is underway aiming to share knowledge and experiences on issues related to climate change in African forestry. The African Forest Forum is an association which brings together experts and individuals who are committed to the sustainable management and conservation of Africa’s forest and tree resources. To look at this we are now joined by: • Prof. Godwin Kowero, the Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum, is a Tanzanian professor of forest economics and policy analysis. • Marie-Louise Avana- Tientcheu is the Director of Studies and Lecturers Affairs, University of Dschang- Cameroun/ Coordinator of the International Master curricula in Agroforestry/ Department of Forestry/Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences/ • Dr Mafa Chipeta, FAO Director of Policy Assistance. https://iono.fm/e/434315

African conservationists seek incentives to stimulate growth of carbon markets

ENTEBBE, Uganda, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Enactment of new policy and regulatory incentives coupled with better governance are key to stimulate growth of carbon trading in Africa, conservationists said on Friday. The conservationists who attended a regional conference on sustainable forest management in Entebbe said that revival of the moribund carbon markets in Africa will spur economic growth while enhancing the continent's resilience to climate change. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-05/26/c_136318263.htm

Experts sound alarm over pests and diseases ravaging African forests

ENTEBBE, Uganda, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Virulent pests and diseases that are ravaging Africa's forests with profound intensity pose new threats to their survival, experts said at a forum in Entebbe, Uganda on Wednesday. The experts drawn from the fields of botany and entomology noted that tree pests and diseases are spreading fast in many parts of Africa thanks to climate change as well as weak surveillance and early warning systems. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-05/24/c_136311933.htm

African scientists root for improved forests management to tackle climate change ENTEBBE, Uganda, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Sound management of the vast forest resources in sub-Saharan Africa is key to enhance climate change response in a continent worst hit by the negative impacts of that phenomenon, scientists said Monday. Scientists and researchers told a regional forum in Entebbe, Uganda, that forest resources if harnessed prudently have the capacity to accelerate green and inclusive growth in Africa. Godwin Kowero, Executive Secretary of Nairobi-based African Forest Forum (AFF), said that Africa's green aspirations will only be realized if countries promote sustainable management of natural assets like highland forests, scrublands, wetlands and mangrove swamps. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-05/23/c_136305738.htm

African experts urge investment in forest conservation to boost green growth NAIROBI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Massive investment in forest restoration programs are an imperative in order to boost green growth in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, experts have said. The conservation experts who met at a forum in Nairobi on Friday were emphatic that halting forest degradation through a raft of strategic policy, legislative and funding incentives would promote sustainable development in Africa. Godwin Kowero, the Executive Secretary of Nairobi-based Africa Forest Forum (AFF) said healthy forest ecosystems will underpin the continent's future prosperity, stability and peace. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-04/22/c_136228265.htm

African countries vow to fight illegal timber trade

Published on Sept. 19 (Xinhua), Nairobi.

African countries have pledged to tame illegal trade in timber and other forest products by ensuring that the sub-sector makes a meaningful contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a conservationist said on Tuesday. Kenya's Chief Conservator of Forest Emilio Mugo said representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zanzibar (Tanzania) who met in Nairobi on Tuesday agreed to take stern action against those caught in the illegal trade of the products. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-09/20/c_136621971.htm

Afrique/Ouganda: Clôture de l’atelier régional sur la gestion durable des forêts et le changement climatique.Organisé par le forum africain de foret en partenariat avec l’université ougandaise Makerere, du 22 au 26 mai à Entebbe en Ouganda, l’atelier

régional sur le partage des connaissances et expériences sur la gestion durable des forêts et le changement climatique dans le domaine de la foresterie en Afrique aura vécu. http://globalinfos.net/index.php/2017/05/29/afrique-cloture-de-latelier-sur-la- gestion-des-forets/

Kapata laments Africa’s lukewarm stance on environment

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata says Africa’s participation in environmental international dialogue has been inadequate and unco-ordinated adding that even recommendations emanating from there remain largely unknown by key stakeholders. And a forestry expert says the media play a significant role in creating environmental awareness and information about massive investment in forest restoration programmes and management. http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/kapata-laments-africas-lukewarm-stance-on-environment/

UNEP official calls for ‘coherent planning’ as Aichi falters in Africa

Professor Godwin Kowero, executive secretary of the African Forest Forum (AFF), told Mongabay that while some regions are seeing progress, Africa as a whole is not likely to achieve Target 5 as its forest loss has accelerated. “The rate of forest loss globally has decreased in developed countries, and places like Latin America has seen an increase in forest cover, but the rate of deforestation is still a bother in developing countries, Kowero said. “Forest degradation is difficult to monitor, but we still have a long way to go in achieving the target. https://news.mongabay.com/2017/10/unep- official-calls-for-coherent-planning-as-aichi-falters-in-africa/

REDD+ Africa: looking past Trump’s U.N. proposed climate budget cuts

Larwanou Mahamane, a forest ecology professor at the University of Niamey in Niger, and a senior project officer at the African Forest Forum (AFF), told Mongabay that despite the fact that some REDD+ projects in Africa have started off well, very few countries as yet have operational projects. “In most [African] countries, it’s [still] just paperwork — preparing the readiness phase, strategy, policies and legal frameworks — that go towards implementing REDD+. Local communities haven’t started benefiting from REDD+” as yet, Mahamane said. https://news.mongabay.com/2017/09/redd-africa- looking-past-trumps-u-n-proposed-climate-budget-cuts/

Conservation leaders in Africa call for a crackdown on biopiracy

“Many African countries developed their NBSAPs many years ago but they are not being implemented and the communities [are not] benefiting from the intent of the Nagoya protocol,” Nganji said. “Mainly international UN agents are helping countries implement the NBSAPs … but concrete sensitization has not been done at all levels.” According to Alfred Oteng-Yeboah of the Department of Plant & Environmental Biology at the University of Ghana, many communities have yet to see profit-sharing benefits. “Africa mainly benefits from bio-trade, but not from commercialized genetic materials, or research tapped from knowledge obtained from a rural community,” Oteng-Yeboah said. https://news.mongabay.com/2017/10/conservation-leaders-in-africa-call-for-a- crackdown-on-biopiracy/

SAFCOL Forestry Industrialisation Conference 2017

SOUTH AFRICA. Oct 19, 2017, CNBC Africa. South African Forestry Companies Limited, SAFCOL, brings together forestry related decision makers and corporate stakeholders from both the public and private sectors of business to explore the forestry industry. SAFCOL’s Forestry Industrialization Conference looks into challenges and opportunities to be exploited in the industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvGA-L4Rsfw (See minutes 48:48-52:50).

Africa lack capacity to provide 50 percent of seeds, other planting materials for forestry

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania Nov 8, 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvHPeFeOVAo

A forest consortium builds capacity towards a green growth path

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (PAMACC News) - As the global community turns attention and focus towards a green growth pathway, the African Forest Forum (AFF) is exploring avenues to improve forest management in a manner that better addresses poverty eradication and environmental protection in Africa. http://pamacc.org/index.php/k2-listing/item/669-a-forest-consortium-builds-capacity- towards-a-green-growth-path

AFF builds capacity in forest management towards a green growth path

As the global community turns attention and focus towards a green growth pathway, the African Forest Forum (AFF) is exploring avenues to improve forest management in a manner that better addresses poverty eradication and environmental protection in Africa. The AFF, a pan-African non-governmental organization, is implementing a project titled: “Strengthening Sustainable Forest Management in Africa” to generate and share knowledge and information through partnerships in ways that will provide inputs into policy options and capacity building efforts. http://climatereporters.com/2017/11/aff- builds-capacity-in-forest-management-towards-a-green-growth-path/

AFF builds capacity in forest management towards green growth path

DAR ES SALAAM, November 2, 2017. As the global community turns attention and focus towards a green growth pathway, the African Forest Forum (AFF) is exploring avenues to improve forest management in a manner that better addresses poverty eradication and environmental protection in Africa. The AFF, a pan-African non- governmental organization, is implementing a project titled: “Strengthening Sustainable Forest Management in Africa” to generate and share knowledge and information through partnerships in ways that will provide inputs into policy options and capacity building efforts.

Watafiti nawanasayansi wafanya kongomano la misitu nchini Tanzania

Nairobi. KTN Leo, Tuesday 24 Oct 2017 https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ktnnews/video/2000141909/-watafiti-na-wanasayansi- wafanya-kongamano-la-misitu-nchini-tanzania

African Dialogue, 9 Sep, 14th World Forestry Congress. Interviewees include: Trevor Abrahams, Secretary General of the 14th World Forestry Congress; Prof. Godwin Kowero, Executive Secretary of the African Forestry Forum and Dr. Aissetou Yaye, Executive Secretary of The African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education (ANAFE). http://iono.fm/e/207269

Our Heritage, 17 Sep, Forest and people (part 1). The podcast features Prof. Godwin Kowero, Executive Secretary of the African Forest Forum. http://iono.fm/e/209597

Our Heritage, 9 Oct Forests Our Heritage. The podcast features Dominic Walubengo (Kenya) and Dennis Kayambazinthu (Malawi). http://iono.fm/e/216506

United Nations Radio: News feature with Prof. Godwin Kowero, Executive Secretary of the African Forestry Forum http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/kiswahili/2015/09/mzigo-wa-kiuchumi-kwa-ajili-ya-tabianchi-ni-mzito-kwa-bara-la-afrikaprof-kowero/#.ViS-Dn4rK01.

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