Resolution No. 25/22 approving for ratification the SADC Protocol on Forestry Activities.

This Resolution approves for ratification the SADC Protocol on Forestry Activities. This Protocol shall apply to all activities relating to the development, conservation, sustainable management and use of all types of forests and trees and trade in forest products within the Region. The objectives of this Protocol are as follows: a) Promote the sustainable development, conservation, management and use of all types of forests and trees; b) Promote the marketing of forest products in the Region in order to alleviate poverty and create economic opportunities for the people of the Region; and c) Realize the effective protection of the environment, and safeguard the interests of both present and future generations.
States Parties shall cooperate in order to achieve the objectives of this Protocol by: a) Assisting and supporting each other in resolving issues of common interest, including deforestation, erosion, climate change, forest fires, pests, diseases, invasive alien species, etc.; b) Promoting the sustainable management of shared forests; c) Facilitating the collection and dissemination of information, knowledge and technologies relating to forests and forest-based industries; d) Developing the human resources of the forestry sector; e) Promoting trade and investment based on sustainable management and use of forests; f) Harmonizing approaches to sustainable forest management; g) Promoting respect for the rights of communities and facilitating their participation in policy development, forest planning and management to ensure equitable participation by benefits derived from forestry resources and traditional knowledge relating to forests; h) Promoting the intangible, cultural and spiritual values of forests; i) Creating equitable and efficient modalities to provide public access to forests; j) Creating the appropriate institutions and funding mechanisms, etc.