ECO welcomes the initiative of the UK to set up the Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership and the commitment by Parties to review progress towards its implementation. This is critical given the important role that halting deforestation and land degradation would play in achieving 1.5ºC. It is a fundamental step to hold Parties accountable for the commitments they made under the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use.
However, ECO notes with concern that of the 140+ Parties that signed the declaration last year, only 27 seem to have stepped up to lead its implementation. Wasn’t this meant to be the COP for “implementation”? We need every country in this space to lead.
ECO is also very worried that most speakers placed a strong emphasis on tree planting and carbon markets. Planting new trees simply cannot replace the carbon stock in primary forests in relevant timeframes. Especially so, if these are planted in the form of monoculture tree plantations, this can result in very negative outcomes for people, particularly groups who have been historically marginalized such as women, and for biodiversity.
Also, ECO would like to remind everyone that action in the land sector must not be a substitute for a rapid fossil-fuel phase out and must not delay urgent decarbonization.
As the recent Land Gap Report points out, many countries’ climate pledges rely on unrealistic amounts of land-based carbon removal. More than half of the total land area pledged for carbon removal (around 633 million hectares) involves reforestation – potentially putting pressure on ecosystems, food security and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
The focus should remain on protecting and restoring existing forests, which are irrecoverable by 2050 and provide high synergies with biodiversity, adaptation and other essential ecosystem services.
Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ (IPLC) rights must be central to all actions that this partnership helps to drive. As we heard from Indigenous leaders last night, IPLCs are on the forefront of climate change. It is essential that IPLCs have secure land tenure and direct access to finance, and that Indigenous Peoples’ right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent is guaranteed. This is particularly critical for women who often have insecure tenure rights.
ECO is concerned that many leaders decided not to stick around to hear from IPLCs last night. Let’s hope their approach to the new Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership shows more respect.