African environmental groups and officials push for forest management reforms

In Burkina Faso, the Groupe d’Action pour la Gestion Forestière (GAGF) and Média’vert held a meeting in Ouagadougou to advocate for a regulatory framework regarding Assisted Natural Regeneration (RNA). RNA is an agroforestry technique involving the protection and maintenance of naturally growing woody species or stump regrowth in fields and silvopastoral spaces. Proponents note that RNA is highly effective, with success rates between 77.78% and 78.89% in certain regions, significantly outperforming traditional planting or direct seeding. Studies indicate the practice can increase soil fertility and agricultural yields by 15% to 30% while boosting producer incomes.

In Chad, the Ministry of Environment met with the Network of Parliamentarians for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems of Central Africa (REPAR). The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to translate environmental commitments into laws and public policies. Minister Bakhit Hassan Djamous emphasized the need to combat desertification and illegal logging, noting that while Chad possesses significant forest resources, they remain threatened by abusive tree cutting. The parties discussed establishing a regular working framework to protect the nation's forest heritage.