Morocco calls for promoting sustainable forest management in Africa

Morocco's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mohamed Loulichki stressed the need for taking measures to promote sustainable forest management in Africa through setting up a global funding mechanism.

Speaking at the 9th UN forum on Forests (UNFF) on behalf of the African group, Loulichki said that the international year of forests, that will be celebrated on Wednesday, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges facing forests and dependent population.

Seventy percent of the African population, mostly rural poor, depend on forest resources, he said, noting that although forest products represent only 2% of sub-Saharan African exports, they contribute by 6% to the region’s GDP.

The 9th UNFF, held from 24 January to 4 February, aims to develop international policies promoting sustainable forest management.