A sneak peek at the IUCN CEM FOREST Ecosystem SG Members’ Meeting

It's an honour to be a part of such an International Union, which truly cares about the nature and have been taking measures to combat impacts of climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has many groups, one of which is Commission on Ecosystem Management, which further is divided into many thematic areas. Forest Ecosystem is one of the CEM's Specialist Groups that works to build sustainable landscapes, protect forests and its communities, through implementing effective forest and land-use policies, achieving national priorities and meeting international commitments on climate change, biodiversity and land degradation.

Members representing several institutions/ partner institutions attended the virtual meeting on 1st of December 2021. Angela Andrade, IUCN CEM Chair, welcomed delegates to the first virtual IUCN CEM FESG members’ meeting and acknowledged the participation and encouraged the newly formed group. She stressed the relevance of these joint efforts and integrated/collaborative approach to contribute globally with Ecosystem based Approach tools and methodologies, enhancing knowledge and lessons learned. In addition, she emphasized the crucial links between indigenous communities and forest ecosystems/biomes for sustainable development. How we can work with more people in tropical primary forests and how much it is relevant in the lives of indigenous people (cultural practises). She mentioned that it is not about the carbon but the integrity of ecosystems, with highloghting the key outcomes and motions adapted in COP26 Glasgow and how CBD products can benefit environment, especially forest ecosystems.

Himlal Baral, Chair IUCN CEM Forest Ecosystem SG, delivered the opening remarks for the meeting, underlined the actions previously undertaken and the importance of these kind of networks for integrated work and maximised outcomes. Himlal stated that the group is interested in sharing and stimulating the linkages between their academic knowledge with professionals, primarily by including the doctoral and post-doctoral students under the core group members, who would like to be involved in research, project activities and knowledge generation. Himlal also the discussed the work plan and objectives of the FE SG which included:

1. Stimulate research on the role of Forest Ecosystems in both, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.

2. Highlight the contribution of forests to renewable energy, food and nutrition, water; and other ecosystem services and livelihoods.

3. Collate information and communicate the fundamental role of forest ecosystem to wide range of stakeholders from decision makers at all scales and the general public, NGOS, conservation organizations.

4. Develop and strengthen a global network of researchers and practitioner to communicate role of sustainable forest management for sustained supply of ecosystem services for human well being.

5. Major Impact Targets to be focused on Land, Climate and People.

Doris Mutta, Focal Point within Steering Committee, highlighted the actions to be undertaken –and continuous work needed– to assess effectiveness on adaptation strategies on vulnerable communities and ecosystems, understanding the kind of indicators and metrics the countries can potentially use (highlighting the work that other CEM groups and task forces have carried out). She also noted that aiming to show climate change policymakers when and why EbA is effective and promote the better integration of EbA into policy and planning. She also emphasized the importance of forest education, importance of its principles, cultural practices which promote conservation and preservation by local or indigenous communities.

To promote the adoption and provide guidance for ecosystem-based approaches to the management of forests habitats and enhance the resilience to address global changes, with addressing three substantive objectives that contribute to IUCN’s proposed 2021-25 Programme:

i. Knowledge products

ii. Advice, guidance and tools will be provided to indigenous peoples and local communities.

iii. Science-based authoritative advice and guidance.

Rajiv Kumar Chaturvedi, Co-Chair IUCN CEM Forest Ecosystem SG highlighted the key achievements in the previous term, such as publications of research articles on forest policies, fundraising, activities across CEM groups, and many more.

Other Core Group Members int like Robin Sears, Peter Hobson, Joyce Mnyazi Jefwa, Arlene Lopez, and Kun Zhang discussed about the opportunities and challenges in implementation of future climate policies, underlined the social aspects of ecosystem services given by forest biomes, like cultural beliefs. It was also pointed out how nature-based solutions drive to transformative adaptation, with the importance of ecosystem-based adaptation approach in forest landscapes.