A leading conservation organization has urged African governments to significantly increase investment in sustainable forest management to build more resilient economies.
In a statement marking the International Day of Forests 2026, the Pan-African Network for the Conservation of African Natural Resources (PANCANR) said forests remain critically underfunded and overlooked in economic and policy decisions despite their vital role.
“Forests are chronically underfunded and largely ignored in economic decision-making processes,” PANCANR said, calling for a paradigm shift toward prioritizing sustainable forest management across the continent.
Home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest after the Amazon, the organization warned that Africa is experiencing the highest rate of deforestation globally, driven largely by agricultural expansion and unsustainable exploitation of forest resources. It noted that continued degradation poses a direct threat to the goals of the Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
Established by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21 to raise awareness about the importance of forests and trees. The 2026 edition was held under the theme “Forests and the Economy,” highlighting their role in livelihoods, employment, and economic growth.
From climate regulation to water security, forests underpin key sectors including agriculture, energy, and industry. For billions of people, they are more than ecosystems—they are a primary source of food, energy, and income.
