COP21: The Central African forest is the world's second largest tropical forest

Dear ministers, excellences, ladies and gentlemen,

We launched CAFI two months ago.  I am really happy to see you again and take stock of the progress that we have made. 

The Central African forest is the world's second largest tropical forest and hugely important to mitigate climate change. 

What makes CAFI special?

 For the first time a group of donors and forest countries in Central Africa are coming together to preserve this unique forest. 

There are other initiatives. But none are really focusing their efforts on supporting government reforms and attacking the root causes of deforestation in Central Africa through a holistic and national approach. This is what CAFI will do. This is our objective. 

Since CAFI was launched, 4 Central African countries, 5 donor countries and Brazil have signed the CAFI Joint Declaration. More countries are in the process of joining. 

Norway has already made a financial commitment of up to around 240 million USD. Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon have submitted their investment frameworks. Hopefully letters of intent can be signed early next year. Preparatory grants are in process for several countries. 

We have indeed made a lot of progress in very short time.

Performance is a key word in this joint endeavour. If we do not achieve results, we will not reach our common and ambitious objectives.

And without results, we will not be able to sustain and increase the financial contributions needed to implement the investment plans.

 It is important to make sure that all stakeholders – from governments, to civil society organizations to the private sector – are on board. They have to be duly consulted and engaged throughout the process. 

Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you for the true spirit of partnership that CAFI represents. True partnerships have an enormous potential. Working together, we can make unbelievable things happen. For the future, for our children and grandchildren. Let us act now. 

Thank you!