Jamaica To Host 32nd LACFC Meeting From September 6 To 10

Jamaica will host the 32^nd Latin American and Caribbean Forestry Commission (LACFC) meeting from September 6 to 10.

The biennial event, which is to be held virtually, will bring together experts and regional decision makers for discussions on, among other things, the coronavirus’ (COVID-19) impact on forestry and communities, and post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., will be among the speakers addressing the meeting.

The forum is being facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Principal Director, Forest Science and Technology Services Division, Forestry Department, Donna Lowe, welcomes the opportunity afforded the country to host the meeting.

“We are one of the larger countries in the English-speaking Caribbean and we have significant forest cover, relative to the land mass. So, [it’s] an exciting time for Jamaica,” she told JIS News.

Jamaica is Vice-Chair of the Commission, and the week-long discussions will be chaired by the Forestry Department’s Chief Executive Officer and Conservator of Forests, Ainsley Henry.

Among the other topics being discussed are the new FAO strategic framework and forestry; access to climate and environmental finance; integrating forestry in the FAO’s work on food systems; restoration of forests and other ecosystems; and integrated fire management.

The Latin American and Caribbean Forestry Commission was established in 1948 as an FAO Statutory Body to provide Member Nations with a technical and political forum, to discuss and analyse issues related to forests, as well as their contribution to food security, sustainable food production in the Region, and the conservation of natural forest resources.