Patmoz
By Dennis Muritu
Kenya is set to host the 27th IUFRO World Congress in 2029, a landmark event that will mark the first time the prestigious global forestry conference is held on the African continent. The announcement was made during a breakfast meeting where officials celebrated the successful bid, which they hailed as a recognition of Africa’s growing importance in global forestry.
Dr. Jane W. Njuguna, Director of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), expressed her gratitude and the country’s honor in hosting the event. She highlighted that the win signifies the international community’s recognition of Africa’s unique challenges, innovative solutions, and invaluable contributions to global sustainability. Dr. Njuguna noted that the bid, themed “Advancing Global Partnerships in Forestry Research and Development,” was a testament to the collaborative spirit of various government ministries and partners, including CIFOR-ICRAF, the Kenya Forest Service, and the Green Belt Movement.
KEFRI, as the lead organizing body, is committed to creating an inclusive platform for forest scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders worldwide to share research and forge powerful partnerships. “We envision a Congress that will showcase the rich diversity of African forestry, profile Africa’s leadership in sustainable development, and inspire the next generation of forest scientists,” Dr. Njuguna stated. She extended a warm Kenyan welcome, “Karibu Sana,” to all future participants, inviting them to experience the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, echoed the sentiment of pride, calling the hosting of the Congress a “testament to Kenya’s leadership in forestry.” She emphasized Kenya’s unwavering commitment to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and innovative research. Dr. Barasa noted that the Congress comes at a pivotal moment, just one year before the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development concludes, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate the role of forests in achieving global goals.
Dr. Barasa also highlighted the formidable bid effort led by KEFRI and supported by various national and regional institutions, including the African Union. She congratulated Dr. Jane Njuguna on her appointment as the Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee. The Cabinet Secretary affirmed that Kenya will use the platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies in areas such as degraded forest landscape management, climate change mitigation, and dryland forestry.
Beyond technology and science, Dr. Barasa underscored the importance of involving local communities, inviting them to be “co-hosts of sustainability.” She expressed the hope that the benefits of global forestry would also positively impact local societies. She invited international partners to participate in field visits to Kenya’s diverse landscapes and community forestry projects. “This is your platform,” she told local researchers and practitioners, urging them to shape Africa’s forestry narrative as globally relevant and transformative.
Both leaders concluded their addresses by expressing their thanks to IUFRO’s leadership for entrusting Kenya with the opportunity and looked forward to a successful and transformative event in 2029.
