We are pleased to invite you to the launch of a new study, entitled “Collective Tenure Rights and Climate Action in sub-Saharan Africa”, jointly produced by FAO and the Global Land Alliance. This new research aims to consolidate and analyse current evidence on how tenure arrangements, especially collective ownership and management of forests operating in complex systems of contingent factors, impact forest conditions and livelihoods of forest dwellers in sub-Saharan Africa. Based on this evidence, it also provides guidance on climate actions and investments that can improve these environmental and livelihood outcomes in forest areas. Through a panel debate featuring the authors of the study, as well as tenure, forest and investment experts, the discussants will reflect on:

• evidence emerged in the study on the contribution of collective tenure regimes to forest conditions and livelihood outcomes;
• gaps and opportunities for securing collective tenure rights in sub-Saharan Africa;
• priority investments in rights to achieve long-term sustainability in forest areas.

Moderator

Francesca Romano, Land Tenure Officer, Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, FAO

Opening

Ward Anseeuw, Team Leader Land Tenure Team, Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, FAO

Keynote speaker

Margaret A. Rugadya, Senior Programme Officer and Africa Regional Coordinator, The International Land and Forest Tenure Facility

Presentation of the study

Malcolm Childress, Executive Director, Global Land Alliance

Panel discussion

Roselyn Fosuah Adjei, Director, Climate Change Directorate, Forestry Commission of Ghana, and national REDD+ Focal Point

Simon Addison, Senior Economist, Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, FAO

Simon Norfolk, Director, Terra Firma, Mozambique

Closing remarks

Astrid Agostini, Senior Adviser – Climate and Environment, Investment Center, FAO