PEFC's Strong Presence at COP29: Championing Sustainable Forestry

25 November 2024 Event report

PEFC International made a significant impact at COP29, demonstrating its leadership in promoting sustainable forest management through a series of side events and discussions.

Here's a look at the key events where PEFC played a role:

Finance and Investment in Forest Product Value Chains for Climate Action

At the Forest Pavilion, the session "Finance and Investment in Forest Product Value Chains for Climate Action" focused on mobilising new investments to support the sustainable forest-based bioeconomy.

Our Head of Advocacy, Thorsten Arndt, addressed the challenges in financing forest certification, especially for smallholders.

He underscored that nationally developed standards and group certification have been enabling more than one million small- and family forest owners with access to certification, but more needs to be done to ensure that the costs are not solely carried by small producers.

Baku, Belem and Beyond

Moderating the event "Baku, Belem and Beyond" at the World Trade Organisation Pavilion in the Green Zone, Thorsten led discussions on the role of forests in mitigating and adapting to climate change. The event showcased examples of how forests are delivering biodiversity outcomes, creating green jobs, and assisting in decarbonising the built environment.

"Forests play a crucial role in our fight against climate change, and global collaboration is essential to end deforestation and meet climate targets," he emphasised.

Holistic Forests – More Than Carbon Sinks and Avoided Deforestation

Back in the Blue Zone, the official side event "Holistic Forests – More Than Carbon Sinks and Avoided Deforestation" showcased the multifaceted benefits of forests beyond carbon sequestration. Moderated by Thorsten Arndt, the event featured speakers from BWI, Ibá, and RECOFTC, which kindly co-hosted the event, and AFPA, IFSA and ITTO as well as a keynote address by FAO.

The event discussed the role of certification in demonstrating environmental sustainability, promoting decent jobs, and enabling smallholders to engage in sustainable management practices among other things. "Certification is a powerful tool to enhance economic stability, contribute to environmental sustainability, and support communities," Thorsten stated.

Regulation and Beyond – Opportunities & Challenges

At the Standards Pavilion, the event "Regulation and Beyond – Opportunities & Challenges" brought together experts to discuss the complexities of environmental regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Thorsten highlighted the importance of certification in ensuring sustainable practices and mitigating the adverse effects of regulatory changes.

"PEFC certification is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it is about fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits both the environment and local communities," he stated.

Certification: A Key to Sustainable and Inclusive Trade

In another session at the Standards Pavilion, titled "Certification: A Key to Sustainable and Inclusive Trade," PEFC emphasised the role of certification in promoting sustainable practices. We pointed out the stark difference between products sourced from sustainably managed forests and those that are not.

The panel, which included experts from the World Bank, Kenya National Farmers’ Federation, and the World Farmers’ Organization, discussed how certification can bridge the gap between environmental protection and economic development. "By promoting certification and sustainable practices, we can move beyond merely avoiding harm and work towards a future where environmental and social sustainability are at the forefront of inclusive trade," Thorsten concluded.

Conclusion

PEFC International's active participation at COP29 highlighted its commitment to sustainable forest management and its role in contributing to global discussions on environmental and social sustainability. Through these events, PEFC showcased the critical importance of certification in achieving sustainable development goals and fostering inclusive trade practices.

As the world continues to grapple with climate change, PEFC's outreach and advocacy for sustainable forestry remain more relevant than ever.