Support to COMIFAC - Sustainable Forest Management

The Congo Basin forest is the world’s second-largest continuous tropical Rainforest after the Amazon. It holds a large proportion of the world’s biodiversity and plays a crucial role in climate regulation and carbon sequestration. Additionally, the forest provides direct natural livelihood for about 65 million people. The tropical exotic hardwoods of the Congo basin are among the region’s most important export goods, while oils, fruit and game secure a balanced diet for the local population. The main causes for the progressive destruction and degradation of the Congo Basin forest are expanding agriculture and the development of infrastructure that drives economic development and population expansion. To meet the requirements of land use and to deal with potential dangers to this area, the Central Africa Forests Commission (COMIFAC) was established. Despite the positive perception in the international context and progress made in organisational development, the managerial and implementation capabilities of the COMIFAC and their structures were short due to the complexity of the issues dealt with. Therefore, the project Regional support to the Central African Forest Commission enables COMIFAC to enhance its strategic and operational tasks.