The Central African Forest Observatory (OFAC) launched a tool last week to encourage decision-makers and researchers in making informed decisions for the sustainable management of forests, conservation and responsible use of forest. biodiversity.
The new analysis platform with key indicators of regional, national and local policy trends and their impacts on forest ecosystems is designed in a visually appealing and interactive way. Its aim is to facilitate access to regional, national and local information on the subject.
“The analytical platform will be an effective tool for data assessment and technical and political decision-making, for decision-makers and researchers in the forests of Central Africa, whom we urge, moreover, to use these data and reliable and quality tools made available to them. Said Raymond Ndomba Ngoye, Executive Secretary of the Central African Forestry Commission (Comifac).
According to him, the initiative is an important step towards a greater harmonization of sectoral policies between the member states of Comifac and towards regional cooperation. Ofac is a technical unit of Comifac and its objective is to provide information on Central African forests and their management environment.
Indeed, several key data will be compiled in this platform, in particular production, management and certification volumes; export, processing and marketing of timber; conservation policies and strategies; the contribution of forests and biodiversity to national economies, as well as a large number of satellite images.
Other tools will also be included in this platform. It is therefore a module for the identification and analysis of initiatives undertaken in the sectors of the environment, regional planning and socio-economic development, containing to date around 650 projects for 80 donors, 324 agencies. execution and an amount exceeding 6 billion euros. Also, a multimedia library with more than 1,200 scientific documents (development plans, strategic and political documents, etc.)
Recall that the tool was launched on the sidelines of the Global Landscape Forum (Glf) “One World – One Health”, which was held online on October 28 and 29, 2020, this initiative reinforces the strategic role played by Ofac in the collection and management of information in Central Africa.