Rome, Italy - Prof. Dos Santos Silayo,
the Commissioner of Conservation for the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS),
has chaired the 27th session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO27). The
high-level meeting focused on accelerating efforts in agroforestry.
The session, held from July 22 to 26,
2024, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, brought together heads of
forestry services and senior government officials from FAO member countries.
The participants, experienced in agroforestry funding, implementation, and
policy support, aimed to identify new policy and technical issues, find
solutions, and provide advice to FAO and other stakeholders on appropriate
actions.
Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday,
July 23, 2024, Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, who serves as the Vice-Chair of COFO
from Tanzania, highlighted the role of FAO in enhancing agroforestry efforts.
He emphasized that FAO will increase its work in this area, including providing
technical support to approximately 122 member countries.
Prof. Silayo underscored the
importance of agroforestry as a sustainable approach to land use that
integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes. This practice not
only improves biodiversity but also enhances soil fertility, water retention, and
crop yields, contributing to food security and climate resilience. He stressed
the need for coordinated efforts among FAO member states to promote policies
and practices that support agroforestry at national and regional levels.
The COFO27 meeting also served as a
platform for member countries to share experiences and best practices in
implementing agroforestry projects. Discussions covered a range of topics,
including innovative financing mechanisms, capacity building, and the use of
technology in monitoring and evaluating agroforestry systems. Participants
expressed a collective commitment to advancing agroforestry as a key component
of sustainable development and environmental conservation.
In addition to addressing technical
and policy challenges, the meeting explored ways to engage local communities
and indigenous peoples in agroforestry initiatives. Recognizing their
traditional knowledge and practices as invaluable assets, FAO and its member
countries are working to ensure that these communities play a central role in
the planning and execution of agroforestry projects.
As the COFO27 meeting concludes, FAO
and its member countries are poised to implement the strategies and
recommendations developed during the sessions. These efforts are expected to
significantly contribute to the global agenda on sustainable agriculture and
forest management, reinforcing the importance of integrating forestry and
agricultural policies for holistic environmental stewardship.
The outcomes of this meeting are
anticipated to guide future FAO programs and collaborations, as well as inform
the international community about the progress and challenges in the field of
agroforestry. With a growing recognition of its benefits, agroforestry is
increasingly seen as a viable pathway toward achieving multiple Sustainable
Development Goals, including climate action, life on land, and zero hunger.