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Congo Basin Forest Partnership
[last updated April 6, 2004 4:02 PM]
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General Information
Partnership website(s) |
Expected TimeframeSeptember 2002 - Open Ended |
Partners
Governments:
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Major Groups:
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UN System:
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Other intergovernmental organizations:
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Thematic Focus
Primary Themes:
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Secondary Themes:
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Geographic Coverage
Geographic Scope: Sub-regional Central Africa- Congo Basin
Country(ies) where the partnership is being implemented: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon |
National Focal Points
This partnership has made contact with the national focal points for sustainable development in the countries involved
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Goals and Objectives
Summary of the partnership's goals and objectives
The Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) aims to promote the sustainable management of the Congo Basins' forests and wildlife by improving communication, cooperation, and collaboration among all the partners. It does not intend to create new institutions, but through the partnership forum and transparency and information sharing to assist partners and their associates to work better. Principal objectives include the preservation of the biodiversity and ecology of the forest and wildlife, placing their protection and use on a sustainable basis for the long-term benefit of the region's inhabitants. Examples of support contemplated or extended by partners include support for community-based sustainable forest and wildlife management, better timber harvesting and processing technologies, ecotourism, increasing capacity in public and private sectors, improvement of law and law enforcement infrastructures, realizing their contributions to the alleviation of poverty. Target themes are provided by an updated regional master plan being developed by the Conference of Ministers of Forests of Central Africa (COMIFAC).The Congo Basin forest is the second largest intact tropical forest in the world. It purifies the air and it catches, cleans, and sends to the ocean the waters from millions of hectares of pristine forests upon which the Congo Basin's inhabitants depend for their livelihood and survival. Within their forests are an incredible number of species of plants, trees, animals, and insects. The forest is a global treasure whose resources must be protected and conserved for the environmental and economic good of the citizens of the Congo Basin, of Africa, and for mankind. The forest is concentrated in six countries in the Congo Basin Region.
The framework for the Congo Basin Forest Partnership is the Yaounde Declaration which was agreed to in 1999 by central African heads of State. That framework aims to protect forests through the harmonization of forest policies, protected areas, regulations against poaching and the adoption of practices for sustainable forest use. It recognized the ecological significance of key mixed landscapes which are critical to longer term forest conservation and sustainable management
The framework for the Congo Basin Forest Partnership is the Yaounde Declaration which was agreed to in 1999 by central African heads of State. That framework aims to protect forests through the harmonization of forest policies, protected areas, regulations against poaching and the adoption of practices for sustainable forest use. It recognized the ecological significance of key mixed landscapes which are critical to longer term forest conservation and sustainable management
Targets and Progress
Partnership targetsThe Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) aims to promote the sustainable management of the Congo Basins' forests and wildlife by improving communication, cooperation, and collaboration among all the partners. It does not intend to create new institutions, but through the partnership forum and transparency and information sharing to assist partners and their associates to work better. Principal objectives include the preservation of the biodiversity and ecology of the forest and wildlife, placing their protection and use on a sustainable basis for the long-term benefit of the region's inhabitants. Examples of support contemplated or extended by partners include support for community-based sustainable forest and wildlife management, better timber harvesting and processing technologies, ecotourism, increasing capacity in public and private sectors, improvement of law and law enforcement infrastructures, realizing their contributions to the alleviation of poverty. Target themes are provided by an updated regional master plan being developed by the Conference of Ministers of Forests of Central Africa (COMIFAC).
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Progress against targetsThe first meeting of the Partnership, held in Paris in January 2003, agreed on basic organization principles for promoting collaboration and cooperation among all the partners. It named a facilitator and recognized COMIFAC, the Conference of Ministers of Forests of Central Africa, as a central political, technical, policy and decision-making body for the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Central Africa, and as a key foundation and context for partners actions in the region. COMIFAC's "Plan de Convergence" was recognized as the reference framework for future Partnership actions at both subregional and national levels. The CBFP met again informally on the margins of the African Law Enforcement and Governance meeting in Yaounde in October, open to members of the public, where substantial interest focused on COMIFAC's policies and activities. COMIFAC states also named a CBFP co-facilitator. After a year during which partners have been taking stock of their objectives, resources, and regional programming, a second meeting of the CBFP is being planned for summer, 2004. Considerable new programming is underway to help build institutional capacity, protect specific landscapes, and to engage communities in forest and wildlife management. The second CBFP meeting will review the updated "Plan de Convergence," discuss priorities, and assess program gaps and overlaps. A CBFP website was launched in December to facilitate information sharing and communications among partners and other interested parties (www.cbfp.org).
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Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
- Human resources development/training
- Education/building awareness
- Institutional strengthening, including local participation
- Technology transfer/exchange
Each partner working within the context of approved Congo Basin national programs and consistent with COMIFAC's regional role will be independently responsible for assuring that necessary actions are taken for building capacity and sharing technology.
Relationship to International Agreements on Sustainable Development
How the partnership contributes to the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation
Due to the intensive concentration on forests within this partnership, the most relevant chapters from Agenda 21 are found in Section II, Chapters 10 & 11 "Integrated approach to the planning and management of land resources" and "combating deforestation." However, the majority of this partnership is less directly related to many other goals set forth by Agenda 21. In a broader sense, the majority of Section I is represented:
Chapter 2 "International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies"
Chapter 3 "Combating poverty"
Chapter 4 "Changing consumption patterns"
Chapter 7 "Protecting and promoting human health conditions"
Chapter 8 "Integrating environment and development in decision-making."
Additionally, the following chapters from Sections III & IV further support our partnership:
Chapter 26 "Recognizing and strengthening the role of indigenous people and their communities"
Chapter 27 "Strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations: partners for sustainable develop"
Chapter 29 "Strengthening the role of worker and their trade unions"
Chapter 30 "Strengthening the role of business and industry"
Chapter 34 "Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and capacity building"
Chapter 37 "National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries"
Chapter 38 "International institutional arrangements"
Like Agenda 21, the United Nation Millennium Declaration has specific forest language. Section IV, Chapter 23, point 2 "To intensify our collective efforts for the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests" aligns well with the goal of this partnership.
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
Chapter 2 "International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies"
Chapter 3 "Combating poverty"
Chapter 4 "Changing consumption patterns"
Chapter 7 "Protecting and promoting human health conditions"
Chapter 8 "Integrating environment and development in decision-making."
Additionally, the following chapters from Sections III & IV further support our partnership:
Chapter 26 "Recognizing and strengthening the role of indigenous people and their communities"
Chapter 27 "Strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations: partners for sustainable develop"
Chapter 29 "Strengthening the role of worker and their trade unions"
Chapter 30 "Strengthening the role of business and industry"
Chapter 34 "Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and capacity building"
Chapter 37 "National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries"
Chapter 38 "International institutional arrangements"
Like Agenda 21, the United Nation Millennium Declaration has specific forest language. Section IV, Chapter 23, point 2 "To intensify our collective efforts for the management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests" aligns well with the goal of this partnership.
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies; Combating poverty; Changing consumption patterns; Promoting sustainable human settlement development; Integrating environment and development in decision-making; Integrated approach to the planning and management of land resources; Combating deforestation; Recognizing and strengthening the role of indigenous people and their communities; Strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations: partners for sustainable development; Strengthening the role of workers and their trade unions; Strengthening the role of business and industry; Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and capacity-building; National mechanisms and international cooperation for capacity-building in developing countries; International institutional arrangements
Relevant Sections of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 Integration of economic, social and environmental objectives; Sectors and issues; Means of implementation
Relevant Sections of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Poverty eradication ; Changing unsustainable patterns of consumption and production ; Protection and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development ; Health and sustainable development ; Sustainable development for Africa ; Means of implementation
Coordination and Implementation
Coordination Mechanism of the PartnershipPartners have agreed upon the following points:
1. The Council of Ministers in charge of Forests in Central Africa (COMIFAC) is recognized as a central political and technical policy- and decision-making body for the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Central Africa and will be a key foundation and context for Partner's actions in the region. 2. COMIFAC will provide a focal point for the Congo Basin. It was agreed that, given the diversity of its actors, the Partnership's field of competence would extend beyond COMIFAC. 3. The regional "Plan of Convergence" which outlines the Congo Basin governments approach to forest conservation was recognized as a reference framework for future Partnership actions at both subregional and national levels. 4. Bilateral and multi-partner cooperation should continue and be further strengthened. 5. The sovereign character of national policies on conservation and sustainable forest management was recognized and affirmed. 6. The United States of America offer of a Facilitator and of an African Co-Facilitator, housed at COMIFAC, for the CBFP through the end of 2004, was accepted by the Partnership. The facilitator has been engaged since January, 2003. 7. The UNDP agreed to support an African CBFP Co-Facilitator, chosen by the sub-region, who will be lodged in the region. 8. The French government offered a technical assistant to be located at COMIFAC with the specific role of strengthening the technical actions of the Partnership. 9. Germany is providing support to COMIFAC and offered to explore other assistance to COMIFAC as appropriate. 10. The European Commission offered its resources in the sub-region to support facilitating actions. The EC offered specific contributions in consultation with the Congo Basin countries through ECOFAC. 10. Each partner has appointed a facilitation correspondent to improve communication and collaboration. |
Implementation Mechanism of the PartnershipPartners are responsible for developing and implementing programs based on commitments to their regional partners and associates in ensuring effective and responsive program design and implementation. To help facilitate this process, partners have appointed a person to liaise with the CBFP, a "focal point." Partners will review progress against targets during periodic partnership meetings.
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Resources
Funding Currently AvailableAmount in US$: approx 230,000,000 indicated over several years
Source(s): Government - Private sector - Foundations / charities - NGO
In January 2003, partners noted obligations or planning underway for the following contributions: The United States pledged up to $53 million through 2005 via USAID's Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE). EU countries have begun or finished projects amounting to 151.9 million Euros ($177,511,335.25) Broken down, this funding includes (some pledges/figures are only estimates or indicative): ECOFAC is investing 65 million Euros in biodiversity in the Congo Basin ($75,959,425.88) France noted contributions of 15 million Euros ($17,529,098.28) over 3 years; and French Development Agency could increase loan-based financing for forest concession management plans to 30 million Euros ($35,058,196.56) over three year period. French GEF will earmark 5 million Euros ($5,843,032.76) for biodiversity in the Congo Basin Germany ongoing cooperation projects of 20 million Euros and pledges 5 million Euros for FY 03-07 ($29,215,163.80) Belgium 4 million Euros over three years. ($4,674,426.21) Japan supports CBFP through ITTO contributions $152,000 for SFM; $25,000 for Forest Law Enforcement in Africa; $200,000 for Remote Sensing Technology use in Republic of Congo total $377,000 pledged in 2002 for Congo Basin activities plus Official Development Assistance (Bilateral aid) of 1.3 billion dollars to the 6 Congo Basin countries in FY01 (includes all assistance for econ development, povery alleviation and governance, not forest specific). |
Non-financial resources availableType(s):
Source(s):
see above |
Funding SoughtRequired Amount in US$: not specified
Source(s) already approached: Additional amounts and activities are subject to ongoing discussions between partners and Congo Basin governments. On-going and proposed programs will be reviewed at the next coordinating meeting of the Partners where contributions will be updated, and progress against targets, gaps, and possible overlaps will be examined. A figure may emerge from that exercise.
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Non-financial resources soughtRequirement(s): see above
Source(s) approached and details:
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Additional Information
Additional Relevant Information
Useful Information and Links (Relevant experience in the development of the partnership will be shared followed following its second general meeting).
-- Jane Goodall Institute's activities in the Congo Basin Project will draw from its Lake Tanganyika Catchments and Reforestation Education (TACARE) program to further conservation and community development in the Congo Basin.
-- USAID's Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) has moved into its second, "implementation" phase, following its "study" phase, working with Congo Basin governments, international and local NGOs and civic socity.
-- The Yaounde Declaration by regional chiefs of state commits to the creation of new forest protected areas, prevention of illegal logging and wildlife poaching, and the establishment of trans-border conservation initiatives.
-- The Conference of Ministers in charge of Forest in Central Africa (COMIFAC) is recognized as a central political and technical policy and decision making body for the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Central Africa.
-- ECOFAC focuses on conservation and developmental issues within central Africa and works with Conservation International to promote the "conservation and rational use of forest ecosystems in Central Africa."
-- ITTO is continuing its support for sustainable forest management in the Congo Basin.
-- The World Bank has included the CFBP with other existing forest project frameworks such as: IDA12 Commitment Authority Framework, the FY2 5th Dimension Credit in Cameroon, Cameroon's III IDA Re-flows 5th Dimension, and the Emergency Recovery Credit Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-- World Wildlife Fund's Central Africa Regional Program Office works on many environmental issues in the Congo Basin.
-- Wildlife Conservation Society funds over twenty programs in Africa, which include research, training, and applied conservation.
-- The American Forest & Paper Association and other private sector partners have joined the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and are working closely with governments to develop mutually beneficial solutions.
-- The World Resources Institute published a report in 2002 entitled, "An analysis of access to Central Africa's rainforests, and supports Global Forest Watch on a continuing basis."
-- Center for International Forestry Research released a report entitled, "Biodiversity Planning Support Programmed Integrating Biodiversity into the Forestry Sector."
-- Society of American Foresters
-- CEFDHAC
-- IUCN - World Conservation Union
-- Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT)
-- African Timber Organization (ATO)
-- FAO is providing essential support to COMIFAC's Executive Secretariat
-- Jane Goodall Institute's activities in the Congo Basin Project will draw from its Lake Tanganyika Catchments and Reforestation Education (TACARE) program to further conservation and community development in the Congo Basin.
-- USAID's Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) has moved into its second, "implementation" phase, following its "study" phase, working with Congo Basin governments, international and local NGOs and civic socity.
-- The Yaounde Declaration by regional chiefs of state commits to the creation of new forest protected areas, prevention of illegal logging and wildlife poaching, and the establishment of trans-border conservation initiatives.
-- The Conference of Ministers in charge of Forest in Central Africa (COMIFAC) is recognized as a central political and technical policy and decision making body for the conservation and sustainable management of forests in Central Africa.
-- ECOFAC focuses on conservation and developmental issues within central Africa and works with Conservation International to promote the "conservation and rational use of forest ecosystems in Central Africa."
-- ITTO is continuing its support for sustainable forest management in the Congo Basin.
-- The World Bank has included the CFBP with other existing forest project frameworks such as: IDA12 Commitment Authority Framework, the FY2 5th Dimension Credit in Cameroon, Cameroon's III IDA Re-flows 5th Dimension, and the Emergency Recovery Credit Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-- World Wildlife Fund's Central Africa Regional Program Office works on many environmental issues in the Congo Basin.
-- Wildlife Conservation Society funds over twenty programs in Africa, which include research, training, and applied conservation.
-- The American Forest & Paper Association and other private sector partners have joined the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and are working closely with governments to develop mutually beneficial solutions.
-- The World Resources Institute published a report in 2002 entitled, "An analysis of access to Central Africa's rainforests, and supports Global Forest Watch on a continuing basis."
-- Center for International Forestry Research released a report entitled, "Biodiversity Planning Support Programmed Integrating Biodiversity into the Forestry Sector."
-- Society of American Foresters
-- CEFDHAC
-- IUCN - World Conservation Union
-- Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT)
-- African Timber Organization (ATO)
-- FAO is providing essential support to COMIFAC's Executive Secretariat