Forests Management in Central Africa Convergence Plan discussed in Kigali

The Central Africa Forests Commission (COMIFAC) member counties have committed themselves fifteen years ago to work together for the conservation and the sustainable management of the forest ecosystems of their respective countries.

At the conference held in Kigali on Monday, May 30, 2018, the Rwandan Minister of Forests and Lands who is also Chair of COMIFAC, Francine Tumushime explained that without joint collaboration of member countries, this part of Afrique Central continues to face problems of the management of over 50 million hectares covered by forests in this region.

During this conference dubbed “Round Table Workshop on the New Priorities for the Conservation and sustainable management of Forests Ecosystems in Central Africa through the COMIFAC revised Convergence Plan”, participants highlighted and agreed on Key priorities to be implemented through the 2015-2015 Convergence Plan.

The COMIFAC first Convergence Plan was adopted in February 2005 in Brazzaville in Congo by the Heads of State of the Sub-region and its operational translation into the political commitments stated in the declaration of Younde of 1999 on the forests.

This Convergence Plan was open to all stakeholders as the reference framework for interventions in the Forestry and Environmental Sectors.

In her opening remarks of this Conference, the Rwandan Minister of Forests and Lands, Francine Tumushime revealed that the Government of Rwanda has set a target of 30% of national territory be covered by Forests and agroforestry species by the year 2020.

She also highlighted that the Central Africa Forests Commission (COMIFAC) was given the mandate of defining orientation, making decision, monitoring and harmonizing the conservation of Forests and sustainable managements.

“This mandate is being implemented through a ten year action Plan known as convergence plan.” She explained

Though this convergence plan is being implemented, Raymond Ndomba Ngoye, the COMIFAC Executive Secretary told Topafricanews.com in exclusive Interview that the region is still facing challenges hindering the sustainable managements of Forests which include illegal cutting of trees, biomass Energy which is still being used by a big number of citizens of member countries, Charcoal production and illegal exploitation among others.

However, Ndomba said all member countries in collaboration with development partners are looking for sustainable solutions to these challenges citing the use of alternative cooking Energy which he added “will save the regional Forests and reduce devastating impacts of climate change caused by deforestation.

Also the Senior Advisor of Japan International Cooperation Agency SHU MIZUSHINA told this website that Japan as partner of COMIFAC in the sustainable management of Forests is willing to keep a close collaboration with Member states towards the fully implementation of this 2^nd Edition convergence Plan.

On Rwanda Mr. SHU said that “Currently we are working with the University of Rwanda in a research for improved tree seedlings which are able to cope with the changing of climate.”