FAO Forest Commission Defines Action Plan for Latin America

The FAO Forest Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean is meeting this week in Panama City to develop an action plan aimed at mobilizing financial and technical resources for the sustainable management of the region’s forests.

Latin America and the Caribbean account for 23% of the world’s forests, covering 47% of the region’s land area. These forests store significant amounts of carbon, provide essential ecosystem services and support economic activities. However, they are increasingly threatened by wildfires, pests and deforestation.

“Sustainable forest management in Latin America and the Caribbean is not only a regional priority; it is a global imperative. The commission provides a unique platform for countries to work together to protect some of the planet’s most extensive and biodiverse forests while supporting the communities whose livelihoods depend on them,” said Ewald Rametsteiner, Deputy Director, FAO Forestry Division.

FAO data shows that annual forest loss in the region decreased from 5.5Mha in the 1990s to 2.7Mha between 2015 and 2020. While this represents progress, Rametsteiner noted that it is insufficient given the scale of the climate crisis.

Ahead of COP30 and within the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, FAO officials called for viewing forests not only as the lungs of the planet but also as critical resources for sustainable development. “Protecting forests ensures clean water, fertile soils, healthy pollinators and food security for millions of people,” said Juan Ferrando, Forestry Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO.

The 34th Session of the Commission brings together directors of forestry services, government authorities from member countries, FAO experts, and representatives from international organizations, NGOs, academia, research institutions and the private sector.

The session covers a wide range of topics, including sustainable forest management, tree planting, forest and landscape restoration, and integrated strategies to manage wildfires, pests and invasive species. It will also address the promotion of biodiversity and the development of forest-based bioeconomies.

A central focus of the agenda is the urgent need to scale up forest financing to leverage the potential of forests as a tool for climate change mitigation and to meet regional commitments to halt deforestation. FAO officials emphasized the importance of combining international and national funding from both public and private sources to achieve these objectives.