INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT ON FORESTS (IAF)

The 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) recently concluded.
It took place under the framework of the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF).
The session highlighted that the world is off track in achieving the Global Forest Goals by 2030.
Member countries reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 (UNSPF).
India presented its achievements in forest conservation during the meeting.
India reported an increase in forest and tree cover by 2,261 sq km, bringing the total forest cover to 24.62% of the country’s geographical area.
Additionally, 17 Indian states now have over 33% of their area under forest cover.

What is the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF)?

The IAF was established in the year 2000.
It succeeded the Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (1995–1997) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Forests (1997–2000).
The main objective of the IAF is to promote the sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests.
It also aims to strengthen long-term political commitment for forest protection and sustainable use.

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF): A functional commission under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) created in 2000.
Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF): Formed in 2001, this is a voluntary partnership of 16 international organizations, such as the FAO, IUCN, UNEP, and CITES.
Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network (GFFFN): Helps countries access financial resources to support forest-related projects.
UN Trust Fund: A fund to support UNFF and IAF activities, based on voluntary contributions from member states.
UNFF Secretariat: Provides administrative support to the UNFF and also serves as the secretariat for the CPF.

The plan was adopted in 2017 at a special session of the UN Forum on Forests.
It provides a global vision for the sustainable management of forests by the year 2030.
All United Nations member states, including India, are part of this initiative.
The plan includes six Global Forest Goals (GFGs) and 26 associated targets.
The goals are voluntary and apply universally to all countries.
One major target is to increase forest area globally by 3% by 2030, which equals an additional 120 million hectares.
The plan aligns with the broader objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Progress is tracked through the Global Forest Goals Report released by the UN.

India has adopted a scientific approach to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
Between 2019 and 2021, India increased its forest and tree cover by 2,261 sq km (ISFR Report).
Forest cover in India now stands at 24.62% of its total geographical area.
Seventeen Indian states have already achieved the national target of 33% forest cover.

GFG 1 – Reverse the loss of forest cover globally through sustainable forest management.
GFG 2 – Improve forest-based benefits, including livelihoods and ecosystem services.
GFG 3 – Protect forests and promote sustainable production and consumption of forest products.
GFG 4 – Mobilize financial resources for forest-related actions.
GFG 5 – Promote inclusive and participatory forest governance.
GFG 6 – Strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation at all levels to implement forest-related strategies.

A new report titled "International Forest Governance (IFG): A Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches" was released recently.
It is the first global synthesis report on international forest governance since 2010.
The report provides an overview of policy, legal, and institutional frameworks for global forest management.
It was published in the backdrop of the UNFF19 meeting.

The world is still facing deforestation, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss.
Lack of adequate funding is a major barrier for many developing countries.
Climate change is affecting forest ecosystems through temperature changes, altered rainfall, and extreme weather.
Governance issues, such as weak law enforcement and lack of community involvement, persist in many countries.

Forest management must be integrated into national development and climate action plans.
There is a need to increase funding, both domestic and international, for forest projects.
Countries should promote community-based forest governance, including local and indigenous participation.
Technology and research should be used to monitor forest health and biodiversity.
Finalizing forest policies and targets under the IAF framework will be crucial for the success of the 2030 forest goals.