Voices from the Forest: Putting local people at the heart of decisions about tropical forests’ contribution to tackling climate change
A film launch and expert panel discussion
A film launch and expert panel discussion chaired by Tom Heap (from the BBC’s “Countryfile” and “39 Ways to Save the Planet”).
Introduction from Dr Baomiavotse Vahinala Raharinirina (Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Madagascar).
Panellists:
Dr Musonda X. Mumba (Director, Rome Centre for Sustainable Development Nature, Climate and Energy, United Nations Development Programme)
Dr O. Sarobidy Rakotonarivo (Leader of the Forest4Climate&People project in Madagascar, University of Antananarivo)
Professor Julia P G Jones (Professor of Conservation Science, Bangor University)
Naomi Swickard (Chief Programme Officer at Verra with responsibility for their portfolio of standards including those related to Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation)
There is no path to net zero without slowing deforestation and restoring forests. However, delivering effective and equitable forest conservation and restoration is challenging. The film “Voices from the forest” was made by researchers, people living at the forest frontier in Madagascar, and professional film makers. It explores how global efforts to conserve forests are experienced by local people. The aim is to go beyond simplistic ‘win-win’ narratives that assume forest conservation and restoration inevitably also reduce poverty. The panel discussion will focus on solutions to delivering effective and equitable forest conservation and restoration which contributes to the fight against climate change. In this critical year this event aims to help bridge the gap between local communities and international climate policy and practice.
The film was produced by the Forest4Climate&People project (a collaboration between the University of Antananarivo and Bangor University). It is narrated by Malagasy artist and environmental campaigner Hanitrarivo Rasoanaivo, with accompanying music by international renowned musician D’Gary. Contributors include local communities, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Madagasikara Voakajy, GERP, Durrell, Wildlife Conservation Society, Forum Lafa ,WWF Madagascar, the Tafomihavo network, Planet Madagascar and Lumahee films.
You can watch a trailer for the film here