Side Event
Achieving Forest-related Aichi Targets on the Ground: ITTO/CBD Collaborative Initiative for Tropical Forest Biodiversity
Organizer
International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
Date and Time
13 October 2014 13:15 - 14:45
Meeting
Twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
Background: A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in 2010 between the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and the Secretariat to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), on the occasion of the CBD COP 10 held in Nagoya, Japan. The key purpose of the MOU is to identify, develop and implement targeted joint activities on forests and biodiversity between ITTO and CBD Secretariat. In accordance with the MOU, the ITTO/CBD Joint Collaboration Initiative was subsequently started, and to date 11 projects have been funded to support the efforts of countries in sustaining tropical forest biodiversity and resource base as well as the livelihoods of the people living in and around tropical forests. These projects cover a broad range of activities, such as the establishment and sustainable management of transboundary conservation areas and the development of capacities of forest institutions, local and indigenous communities and other stakeholders. After the successful implementation of the original four year duration, the MOU will be renewed with the extended period of 2011-2020 during the CBD COP 12 to be held in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea. It is expected that the ITTO/CBD Initiative will further contribute to the implementation of the ITTO Strategic Action Plan 2013-2018 and the Strategic Plan on Biodiversity 2011-2020 including the achievement of its forest-related Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Objective: The objective of this side event is to: 1) share the lessons learned and showcase the achievements made through the implementation of projects under tie ITTO/CBD Initiative; 2) illustrate the value of the collaboration between ITTO and CBD Secretariat and the multiple support provided by JICA in sustaining biodiversity and resource base of tropical forests and the associated livelihoods of the people; and 3) thereby, further contribute to the achievement of the forest-related Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The event will also celebrate the signing of the new MOU with the extended duration of 2012-2020 and projections of targeted activities between ITTO and CBD Secretariats. Tentative programme: - Opening address by Mr. Emmanuel Ze Meka, Executive Director of ITTO - Presentation on the outline of the ITTO/CBD Initiative by Mr. John Leigh, Project Manager of ITTO - Case study presentations by country experts on: - Emerald Triangle Project for transboundary conservation in Thailand and Cambodia - RIFFEAC Project for training research institutions in Central African countries - Mexico/Guatemala Tacana Volcano Sustainable Development Project (or ACTO Regional Amazonian Project) - JICA's work to support the implementation of ITTO/CBD Initiative - Discussion involving audience - Signing of MOU by Mr. Emmanuel Ze Meka, Executive Director of ITTO and Dr. Braulio de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of CBD Secretariat - Closing remarks by Dr. Braulio de Souza Dias