In news–The fifteenth Congress was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, in Seoul, from 2 to 6 May 2022.
The 15th World Forestry Congress (WFC)-
- Participants at the WFC endorsed the Seoul Forest Declaration to convey the urgent need for action to achieve a green, healthy and resilient future with forests.
- The Congress also heard the Youth Call for Action and the Ministerial Call on Sustainable Wood.
- Under the theme of ‘Building a green, healthy and resilient future with forests’, the Congress showcased the essential role of forests in the global sustainable development agenda.
- It also highlighted progress in the implementation of the recommendations made at the XIV World Forestry Congress in 2015.
- The six sub-themes of the 15th World Forestry Congress address the most important current issues concerning forests and the products and services they provide.
- The sub-themes also enable the review of progress in implementing the outcomes of previous congresses, especially the Durban Declaration, and the advances being made towards a sustainable, resilient future, they are-
- Turning the tide:reversing deforestation and forest degradation.
- Nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
- The green pathway to growth and sustainability.
- Forests and human health and well-being: revisiting the connections.
- Managing and communicating forest information, data and knowledge.
- Forests without boundaries: enhancing management and cooperation.
History of World Forestry Congress-
- The first World Forestry Congress was held in Rome in 1926 and has generally taken place every six years since then.
- Gatherings serve as a forum for governments, universities, civil society and the private sector to exchange views and experiences and to formulate recommendations for implementation at national, regional and global levels.
- In 1954, FAO was entrusted with supporting Congress preparations in close cooperation with the host country and proudly continues to do so today.
- The Congress functions are advisory, not executive, and participants attend the Congress in their personal capacity.
- The implementation of recommendations is a matter solely for those to whom they are addressed in light of their own particular circumstances – governments, international organizations, scientific bodies and forest owners, among others.
- The outcomes are brought to the attention of the FAO Conference which may consider endorsing, through a resolution, any declaration emanating from the Congress.
Source: FAO
