Mozambique, World Bank, FAO sign agreement to grow forest sector reform
Under the newly-signed agreement, FAO will provide technical support to develop a 20-year national strategy for the forestry sector, institutional frameworks for forest concessions will be revised to ensure greater transparency, accountability, equity and sustainability of forest production, and ‘model' concessions that implement best practices will be established.
"This important partnership will contribute to transformational change in the way forests are managed in Mozambique," said FAO Deputy Director-General Daniel Gustafson.
For the first time, a digital, geo-referenced Forest Information System will be developed, to replace the existing paper records, and will provide a reliable, cross-checked database to support strategic policy and management decisions.
Knowledge and skills on forest management principles will also be shared with national and local counterparts.
Mozambique's forest resources have significant potential to contribute to poverty alleviation, but are threatened by deforestation, degradation, fires, illegal logging and uncontrolled firewood and charcoal production.
Xavier Sailors, Director of Mozambique's National Directorate of Forests, said communities and the private sector are important stakeholders in revising the forest management model. "Our forests will be protected and safeguarded, and at the same time used as a source of wealth creation for our communities, ultimately aiming to improve their everyday lives," he said.
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