One Forest Youth Forum 2023

PACJA calls on no/ low regret exploitation of renewable resources for the benefit of future generations.

February 26 to 2^nd March 2023, The Republic of Gabon – One Forest Youth Forum 2023: The summit was guided by the theme: “Youth facing the challenges of the development of Forest Ecosystems”

It has been evident that involvement of youth in matters of climate change is less than desired and the state of Gabon and the French government saw this as an opportunity to tap into the driving force that is youth and create “The one Forest Youth Forum” One Forest Youth Forum 2023 held its first summit on the 27^th of February in Libreville Gabon

The growing need for involvement of youth in designing and creating innovate solutions for sustainable development cannot be stressed enough. The youth can use opportunities such as this forum to further climate action at the very local levels and ensure climate justice for Africa through afforestation, re-afforestation, forest restoration, and changing forest management practices across Africa.

Present at the forum Augustine B Njamnshi, Chair of Political and Technical Committee PACJA, in his opening remarks observed that this kind of youth-led forum, continues to call attention to deforestation, which has had a negative impact on short term jobs and the long-term climate that threatens our health and safety and stays true to the spirit of the Convergence plan.

Augustine told the delegates in his reflective speech ENG, FR “Women and young people are often affected disproportionately, since the forest products they traditionally use and manage disappear with the forest. That is why we advocate economic development based on the sustainable exploitation of renewable resources without harm to the environment and future generations.”

At the panel that discussed on “Stimulating North South mobility: Volunteering and Sustainable Forest growth”, Dr. Augustine highlighted that the forests of Congo Basin are great professional Opportunities for young people and volunteering is one of entry mechanisms into the green economy

He advocated for an inclusive programme led by the heads of States and governments with the implementation of  sub regional  institutions such as ECCAS and engaging the youth  in all stages of implementation of this international volunteer program  around the forests.

The announcement of One Forest Summit was first announced at the sidelines of COP27 held in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt  by  HE Ali Bongo  the President of Gabon and HE Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of  France

It’s seen as the opportunity to make ambitious progress on the preservation of tropical forests, which are at the heart of climate and biodiversity issues.

Photos Credit: One Forest Youth Forum

Read/Download the Speech here: English, French