How can researchers help mainstream concepts such as forest-based solutions in global climate change policies?

Dr Sarobidy Rakotonarivo from Forest4Climate&People took part in a side event hosted by  the official UNFCCC platform and co-organised by Forest Stewardship Council, the Groupement Thématique sur le Changement Climatique a Madagascar, and Reforestamos México on 09th November 2021 at #COP26.

The event titled: “Co-creating forest-based solutions to enhance social and ecological resilience with shared value” was an open dialogue between various stakeholders including organizations that represent the Climate investment sector, researchers, corporate, ecological and social sectors, and indigenous peoples and local communities. 

The speakers included Kim Carstensen and Pina Gervassi from the Forest Stewardship Council, Ulf Johansoon, the Head of Global Wood Supply & Forestry, Inter IKEA Group; Rina Mandimbiniaina from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Madagascar, Raquel Jiménez from Reforestamos México, and Juan Carlos Gonzales Aybar from the Shared Wood Company.

 

Sarobidy spoke about how researchers can help support evidence-based policy and mainstream effective and equitable forest-based solutions in climate change policies. She mentioned the numerous impact activities that the Forest4Climate&People project have been doing, such as the excursion trip that gave decision-makers the opportunity to see first-hand local realities, the sharing workshop they convened with various stakeholders on the social issues of forest conservation and restoration, and the film on the voices from the forest that the project produced to explore how these forest-based solutions are being experienced by local communities. 

She also used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of integrating monitoring and impact evaluation early in project design, independent and open data sharing on the social and ecological impacts of these forest-based solutions initiatives, and the careful use of technologies and participatory approaches in defining indicators so that they move beyond simple extractive exercises to a genuine empowerment of forest communities.  

She also mentioned the need for better exchanges between industry and academia such as initiatives which embed researchers in policy units (e.g., the UK research councils fund policy placements for PhD students and early career researchers) and fellowships allowing policy makers a period of time to work on some evidence (embedded in a university for example). The full recording can be viewed here.

Publication date: 9 November 2021