RECOFTC at COP29
The twenty-ninth Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024. With a focus on redefining how the world finances conservation in the fight against climate change, this COP aims to establish a new, collective and quantified goal on climate finance.
Building on past engagements and our work in social forestry in the Asia Pacific region, RECOFTC will participate in COP29 alongside climate experts and political and civil society actors. Through our engagements and side events, we will shine a spotlight on community forestry and forest conservation, specifically through the lenses of gender equality and women's leadership, Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge in forest governance, and holistic forest management.
Carbon reporting, decarbonization and forest innovation for sustainable solutions
16 November 2024, 13:00–14:00 (UTC+4), Thailand Pavilion
Organizers: Thailand Royal Forest Department and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Participants will discuss the critical role of forests in combating climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. The side event will focus on assessing progress since the Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use at COP26, which aimed to halt deforestation by 2030.
There will be discussion on innovative approaches to forest management – from advanced technologies to community-based practices – that can enhance carbon sequestration and support sustainable forest conservation. The importance of carbon reporting, decarbonization strategies and forest innovation in meeting climate targets and preserving essential ecosystem services will also be explored.
Through case studies and expert insights, the session aims to inspire dialogue on effective forest management practices that balance environmental protection, community needs and global climate commitments. Regan Pairojmahakij, programme lead – Enhanced climate change adaptation and mitigation, RECOFTC, is one of the speakers at this event.
Guardians of the forest: Women and Indigenous Peoples at the forefront of forest conservation
18 November 2024, 16:00-17:30 (UTC+4), Forest Pavilion Main Stage, Blue Zone (C4, Zone E)
Organizers: Partner organizations of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Forest and Communities Initiative – Global Forest Coalition, International Ranger Federation and the International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity – in collaboration with Indigenous Guardians (Canada) and RECOFTC
Forest conservation, biodiversity preservation and the fight against climate change are intrinsically related. Increasingly, the role of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women and marginalized groups in this fight is being duly recognized. This side event emphasizes the importance of ensuring that Indigenous voices, local knowledge and women's perspectives are heard and heeded in forest management decisions.
Indigenous leaders, government representatives and representatives from international organizations will be present, discussing the vital contributions of women, forest rangers and Indigenous knowledge to forest conservation. Through the presentation of case studies and insights, the session will highlight sustainable forest management practices that support environmental protection and community rights, aligning with global climate and biodiversity commitments.
Sudha Khadka, country director, RECOFTC Nepal will be sharing lessons learnt from supporting gender leaders in Nepal. Her presentation will feature key insights from our experience working to support and empower women in forest management. Also speaking will be Mamta Lama, programme officer – Enhanced climate change adaptation and mitigation, RECOFTC. As an Indigenous young person, Lama sits on the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets and will share perspectives from an Indigenous youth angle, considering the transfer of traditional ecological knowledge as it relates to forests and land use.
Regan Pairojmahakij, programme lead – Enhanced climate change adaptation and mitigation, RECOFTC, is moderating the event.
Official UNFCCC side event: Holistic forests – more than carbon sinks and avoided deforestation
20 November 2024, 15:00–16:30 (UTC+4), Side Event Room 2, Area B
Organizers: PEFC, RECOFTC, Building and Wood Workers' International
Regan Pairojmahakij, programme lead – Enhanced climate change adaptation and mitigation, RECOFTC, is speaking at this side event, which will explore the multifaceted role of forests in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
The event will showcase how the forest sector can meet carbon goals and support energy transition while balancing sustainability, biodiversity conservation and community well-being. The aim is to inspire cross-sector dialogue on building resilience and taking action, highlighting the forest sector's potential to drive innovation in sustainability practices beyond carbon sequestration.