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This executive summary evaluates the progress of the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) five years after its 2014 inception. It concludes that the 2020 goals of halving tropical deforestation and restoring 150 million hectares of degraded landscapes are likely unattainable, as tropical deforestation continues at an unsustainable rate and restoration efforts have largely occurred outside natural forests.

The 2019 five-year assessment of the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) concludes that the 2020 goals to halve tropical deforestation and restore 150 million hectares of land are likely impossible to achieve. Despite some progress in Indonesia and specific sectoral moratoria, tropical primary forest loss has increased, and global deforestation remains unsustainable, driven largely by agricultural commodities. Restoration efforts have largely occurred outside natural forests, and corporate commitments have stagnated. The report highlights a critical lack of financial investment compared to other climate goals and emphasizes that the reversal of environmental policies in Brazil and the failure to secure indigenous land rights further undermine forest conservation.

The 2019 five-year assessment of the New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) finds that the 2020 goals to halve tropical deforestation and restore 150 million hectares of degraded land are likely unattainable. Despite some progress in Indonesia and the existence of corporate commitments, tropical forest loss remains unsustainable, driven largely by agricultural expansion and poverty. The report highlights a critical lack of 'green' financing and a need for stronger governance and recognition of indigenous land rights to prevent further loss of primary forests.

This report details the outcomes of an event titled "Stepping Up Action on Building Climate Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems in Africa," held during Africa Climate Week 2019 in Ghana. Facilitated by the African Union Commission, the Global Resilience Partnership, and the FAO, the event aimed to identify priorities for the 2019 UN Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit and COP25. It focuses on scaling up nature-based solutions, improving climate finance for smallholder farmers, and integrating early warning systems to protect African food security.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the political and economic instability within the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region. It examines how a decline in global commodity prices, coupled with neo-patrimonial governance and rapid population growth, creates a volatile environment. The authors use the International Futures (IFs) system to forecast trends up to 2040, warning that without significant investments in human capital and democratic reform, the region faces increased risks of instability and violence.

This research paper examines 'readiness finance' for REDD+ through the lens of the Brazilian Amazon Fund and the Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBFF). It finds that readiness has evolved from a technical focus to one encompassing governance and policy. The authors argue that readiness is not a static phase with a clear end point but requires sustained investment in institutional strengthening that continues into the performance-based phase of REDD+.

The New York Declaration on Forests Action Agenda (2014) outlines a comprehensive framework for governments, companies, indigenous peoples, and multilateral institutions to slow, halt, and reverse global forest loss. It details a 'menu of key actions' for various stakeholders and reports a surge in zero-deforestation commitments from global commodity traders and consumer goods companies, alongside national pledges for forest restoration and the protection of indigenous lands.

This briefing by Frances Seymour argues that sustainable forest management provides a 'no regrets' synergy between immediate development needs and long-term climate adaptation and mitigation. While acknowledging potential trade-offs and governance challenges, the author advocates for ecosystem-based approaches and democratic processes to manage the transition.

This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International critiques the proposed Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing countries (REDD) mechanisms. The document argues that REDD focuses on reducing emissions rather than stopping deforestation, potentially rewarding polluters and industrial agriculture while marginalizing Indigenous Peoples and forest-dependent communities. It warns that funding REDD through carbon offsetting undermines global climate mitigation efforts and risks creating social and environmental harm, such as the replacement of natural forests with monoculture plantations.

This report, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in November 2009, provides a technical and strategic analysis of the negotiations surrounding Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) leading up to the COP 15 summit in Copenhagen. It examines the evolving scope of REDD, financing options, measurement and verification systems, and the institutional frameworks required to implement these mechanisms in developing countries.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins analyzes the role of the private sector within the REDD+ supply chain. It identifies key private sector actors—including investors, producers, brokers, advisors, auditors, and end-buyers—and examines the motivations and challenges associated with their engagement. The document argues that while private sector involvement is critical for scaling up investment, it is currently hindered by policy uncertainty and unresolved land tenure and carbon ownership issues. It proposes strategies to stimulate investment, such as leveraging compliance carbon markets and implementing nested crediting frameworks.

This report summarizes a seminar held on October 17, 2008, at the United Nations Conference Center regarding the implications of the 2008 US Presidential Election for Africa. The event featured presentations by Dr. Steven Erkovich and Dr. Joseph Vincent Ebode, who analyzed US foreign policy motivations, the specific propositions of candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, and the strategic rationale behind Obama's candidacy.

A statement by Indigenous, environmental, and human rights organisations expressing concern over the Three Basins Summit initiative. The signatories argue that the initiative neglects the impacts of extractive industries on rainforests and marginalises civil society, calling instead for a rights-based approach to forest protection and a just energy transition.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute and its partners evaluates the achievements and challenges of independent forest monitoring (IFM) in the Congo Basin from 2001 to 2020, offering recommendations to institutionalize the practice and expand its scope to agricultural commodities.

This working paper by the World Resources Institute (WRI) summarizes feedback from 2008 and 2009 workshops conducted with local and indigenous communities in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding the design and implementation of Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD).

This document is a management response from the World Resources Institute (WRI) to an external review conducted by Philanthropy Support Services (PSS) Inc. between January and March 2012. The response evaluates WRI's progress regarding its 2008-2012 Strategic Plan and outlines management's agreement with recommendations for the subsequent 2013-2017 planning period, focusing on global expansion, institutional innovation, and the balance between research and practical implementation.