Kofi Annan endorses reforestation of Africa

The replanting of forests can play a major role in achieving the climate objectives that were agreed in Paris. It is now time for investors to make a move and the 'Forests for the Future, New Forests for Africa' initiative has received the support of H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan.

Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997-2006, Mr. Annan will be the principal guest at the official launch of the Initiative on 16 and 17 March in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

“While the priority must remain on preserving our natural forests, the revival of denuded areas through reforestation helps not only Ghana but also the global fight against climate change,” said Kofi Annan, who works through the Kofi Annan Foundation to achieve a fairer, more peaceful world.

Paul Hol, Director of the forestry company Form International added: "Each year, the Southern Hemisphere loses 15 million hectares of forest. Replanting is of vital importance. That must be done in a sustainable manner. And if you want to get support for it, it must also be economically attractive, for example by the sale of timber. In Ghana, we manage an area of 20,000 hectares with a solid return on investment. A good business model is crucial in order to be truly successful."

From promise to action

In Paris, 10 African countries agreed to plant at least 100 million hectares of new forests, under the AFR100-plan. "But these agreements were not very binding," according to Hol. "We want to take the next step and that is why we are bringing the 10 largest foresters of Africa, government officials and international investors together in Accra. The companies have the knowledge, the government can designate an area and the investors are required to cover the start-up costs," says Hol.

In this company, over the past ten years, more than 30 million dollars have been spent by experienced international investors, and in order to expand the number of replanted hectares even further, there is a commitment to have a total of 150 million invested by 2030. "Reforestation is much more than just planting new trees," says Hol. "Especially the impact on the ecosystem is very important, such as improvement of the soil, micro climate, biodiversity and water management. In addition, employment is a very important aspect of this long-term investment."

Importance of reforestation

Prof. dr. Tineke Lambooy LL.M. (Professor Corporate Law and Corporate Social Responsibility at Nyenrode Business University) supports, from Nyenrode University, the initiative by conducting research and by taking part in the organisation of the conference in Accra.

She explains: "With a view to preserving biodiversity in Africa, increasing the area of forest plantations is of great importance, since this creates corridors for wild life. In addition, planting forests is of crucial importance to fight erosion, desertification and climate change." That the importance of the reforestation goes far beyond planting trees, is also endorsed by Hendry Djombo, Minister of Economic Affairs in Congo: "If the Congo Basin is not well managed, the land will become degraded and turn into grassland, and then the desert will take over the whole of Africa," he said in Paris.

Long-term

Senior Investment Officer Gerhard Engel (Entrepreneurial Development Bank) says the following about investing in reforestation: "Investing in reforestation is a long-term matter. If we want to reforest and finance in a sustainable manner, we must start the work with passion and commitment. The impact of forestry is huge for the reduction of CO2-emissions and for realising local, especially rural, employment. Forestry will thus give people a future and more opportunities to plan and act." Hol: "After 20 years of growth, part of the trees, the part with the largest value, is ready for felling.

The freed space is replanted again immediately. The timber is brought into the market.

The return on investment of approx. 10-15% a year will only then be released. We are, therefore, looking for long-term investors. The presence of the Dutch FMO and its Finnish counterpart FinnFund on 16 and 17 March in Accra is, therefore, encouraging."