AFWC25 opens in Gambia, urging innovation and stronger commitment to protect Africa’s forests

In his opening remarks, Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow reaffirmed The Gambia’s leadership in environmental protection.

The 25th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC25) has officially opened in Banjul, The Gambia, with a strong appeal for African nations to accelerate innovation and reinforce political will to protect and restore the continent’s forests and wildlife ecosystems.

Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and hosted by the Government of The Gambia, the week-long session is held under the theme: “Innovative and Inclusive Forest and Wildlife Resources Management for Africa.”

Delegates from across the region, including ministers, technical experts, conservation organizations, and multilateral agencies, are meeting to address mounting challenges such as climate risks, biodiversity loss, illegal logging, land degradation, and increasing demand for forest products.

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Strong political commitment from The Gambia

In his opening remarks, Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow reaffirmed The Gambia’s leadership in environmental protection.

He highlighted bold national reforms including:

• A nationwide ban on timber exports

• Cancellation of illegal felling permits

• Crackdowns on cross-border trafficking of endangered species, especially rosewood

• Strengthened forest governance policies under the National Forest Policy 2023–2032

“These actions have slowed forest degradation and boosted reforestation,” he said. “We stand among the African countries choosing restoration over destruction, action over rhetoric.”

The Vice President also praised FAO’s long-standing cooperation in forestry, biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and local-capacity development.

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FAO calls for integrated and urgent action

FAO Assistant Director-General for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, urged governments to work collaboratively, stating that forests and wildlife are central to resilient agrifood systems and climate adaptation.

He stressed that Africa faces intersecting threats — climate change, wildfires, deforestation, drought, and land degradation — warning that time is running out to reverse damage.

“Forests and wildlife are not just resources — they are life-support systems,” he said.

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Continental priorities and global implications

The Gambia’s Minister for Environment, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, noted that more than 30 percent of the nation’s forests are now managed through community-led initiatives — a model other countries are now studying.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the FAO Committee on Forestry, Pierre Taty, reminded delegates that although African countries have pledged to restore over 100 million hectares of degraded land, progress remains slow, with less than 9 percent restored.

He stressed the urgency of scaling action under the upcoming UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation (2027–2036) and called for clear recommendations that will feed into FAO’s future technical agenda.

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Agenda for AFWC25 and African Forestry and Wildlife Week

Throughout the week, AFWC25 participants will address key priorities, including:

• New financing models for forest and wildlife conservation

• Sustainable forest and biodiversity management in Small Island Developing States

• Strengthening policy linkages with agrifood systems

• Expanding Africa’s forest-based bioeconomy

• Integrating forestry, wildlife, and food systems through science and community leadership

The session runs alongside the Ninth African Forestry and Wildlife Week (AFWW9), which features technology demonstrations, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing activities showcasing Gambia’s achievements and solutions applicable across Africa.

Delegates will also take part in a field excursion to observe community-based forestry programmes, reforestation projects, and wildlife conservation initiatives in practice.

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Looking ahead

Outcomes from AFWC25 will shape regional forestry and wildlife policy discussions at the 28th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO) and the 34th FAO Regional Conference for Africa in 2026.

The message from Banjul is clear: Africa must act decisively and collaboratively to defend its forests, wildlife, and natural ecosystems — not only for environmental security, but for food systems, livelihoods, culture, and future generations.