Summit of Three Tropical Forest Basins

The objective of the summit was to create a platform for the exchange of information; and to promote active cooperation between countries for a better conservation of tropical forests and support the fight against the devastating consequences of climate change. The meeting was attended by Ministers of forests and environment, Experts from the forest and environment sectors, representatives of civil society, private sector, environmental NGOs, intergovernmental organizations and partners of development. The summit ended on the 03rd of June with a Heads of State Summit during which heads of states, government ministers and representatives of governments from more than 18 countries from the three tropical basins convened at the National Assembly Palace in Brazzaville.
The heads of states generally called on the developed countries to take more responsibility and put at the disposition of tropical countries the resources needed to adequately address the challenges of climate change. The leaders stressed the importance of establishing a funding mechanism to support tropical countries in their efforts to sustainably utilize and conserve this important biome.
The president of the Republic of Congo, H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso while welcoming participants lauded the historic importance of the meeting and called on the polluters to take responsibility by supporting tropical countries financially in developing the necessary infrastructure to tackle climate change.
The president of Guyana, H. E Bharrat Jagdeo said it was time to move away from the rhetoric of the importance of tropical forests to addressing practical issues. He stressed the fact that third world countries are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change but nevertheless pledged resources for climate change adaption have not been disbursed by the north. He alluded to the fact that the Copenhagen accord was accepted due to pledges from northern countries. Referring to the 3-phased approach for REDD+ implementation as stipulated in the Cancun decision, he mentioned that tropical countries should strive for Phase 3 as Phases 1 & 2 are more capacity building oriented; and forest would not be saved by simply building capacity but by creating alternatives. Funding should thus be guaranteed for the three phases. He further called on developed countries to recognize the fact that the conservation of tropical forests is a conscious choice of tropical countries – a choice of being responsible; consequently developed countries should put at the disposition of tropical countries the necessary mechanism that would facilitate the transfer of technology.
In the same light, the President of Gabon, H.E. Ali Bongo stated that the needs for tropical countries to respond to the challenges of climate change go beyond their capacities and called for countries with these capacities to immediately transfer the technology to tropical countries. He reiterated the fact that the contribution of tropical countries to climate change would not be limited to just conservation.
H.E. Theodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea stated that tropical countries will not sacrifice the future of their citizens for the benefit of polluters and also called on developed countries to put at the disposition of tropical countries the necessary technical and financial support.
Brazil’s Minister of Environment Madame Izabella Teixeira reiterated Brazil’s commitment in fostering south-south cooperation. The Minister of Transport of France, likewise the representative of the German Government also reaffirmed the support of their respective governments in supporting tropical countries to tackle the challenges of climate change.
The meeting ended with a declaration in which the Heads of State and Government share a vision of cooperation that holistically incorporates economic, environment, and socio-cultural aspects, with a view to promoting harmonious and sustainable development of their respective forests. They agreed to maintain close consultations and promote the common interest at various international and regional fora related to forests, biological diversity and climate change. The Heads of State and Government recognized the catalytic role REDD+ and related finance can play in transitioning towards a green economy and welcomed development partners and private sector investments in REDD+. It was agreed that the next Summit will be held in conjunction with the Rio+20 meeting in 2012 and The President of Guyana H.E Bharrat Jagdeo was appointed the first ever Goodwill ambassador of the tropical rainforests.
In a related event, Guyana and the Republic of Congo signed a five-year agreement to increase cooperation between the two countries in the field of forestry and wood industries. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both countries and will see the cooperation of both countries in addressing sustainable forest management and the enhancing the development of processed wood and wood-based construction industries.
Other initiatives will include: exchange visits by delegations from the two countries; exchange of information on science and technology relating to forest, tree seedlings, genetic material and other forest resources; participation of group studies and human resource training; collaboration in research and production and joint surveys; trading in timber and other forestry products; and the training of technicians and other experts in forestry-related disciplines.