The 25th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC25) opened in Banjul, The Gambia, calling on African countries to strengthen political commitment and scale up innovation in protecting and restoring forests and wildlife. Organized by the FAO and hosted by The Gambian government, the week-long meeting focuses on “Innovative and Inclusive Forest and Wildlife Resources Management for Africa” and aims to guide FAO’s technical support over the coming biennium amid growing climate risks, biodiversity loss, and rising demand for forest products.
In his opening remarks, Vice President Muhammed B. S. Jallow highlighted The Gambia’s recent environmental reforms, including the National Forest Policy (2023–2032), strengthened institutions, and decisive actions against illegal logging and rosewood trafficking. He emphasized the country’s progress in slowing forest degradation, increasing reforestation, and expanding community forestry programmes, while underlining the importance of partnerships, particularly with FAO, in supporting conservation, mangrove restoration, and capacity-building efforts.
FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel commended The Gambia’s achievements and reaffirmed FAO’s support to African Member States in leveraging forests, trees, and wildlife to transform agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, and environmental outcomes. He stressed the urgency of coordinated action across sectors to address climate change, biodiversity loss, wildfires, and land degradation, which continue to impact livelihoods and economies across the continent.
The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, highlighted the significance of forests and wildlife for The Gambia’s environmental and cultural heritage, noting that community-based forest management now covers over 30 percent of the country’s forest estate. Pierre Taty, Chairperson of the Committee on Forestry (COFO), drew attention to continental initiatives such as the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme and the UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation (2027–2036), emphasizing the need to accelerate forest restoration efforts and deliver strong recommendations to guide COFO and FAO’s work.
Throughout AFWC25, delegates are examining key priorities including innovative financing for forestry and wildlife, sustainable management in Small Island Developing States, strengthening cross-sectoral linkages for resilient agrifood systems, forest-based bioeconomy approaches, and the connections between forestry, wildlife, and agrifood systems. In parallel, the Ninth African Forestry and Wildlife Week (AFWW9) showcases The Gambia’s national achievements in community forestry, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem restoration, providing a platform for sharing practical solutions across Africa.
Delegates will also participate in field excursions to observe local forestry and wildlife initiatives firsthand, reinforcing the session’s focus on practical, scalable solutions that support sustainable management and innovation across the continent.
